Ryan practises intellectual property law, with an emphasis on commercial IP matters, trademarks and copyright.
As a litigator, Ryan has represented a diverse range of clients in trademark and copyright disputes, including in the Trademarks Opposition Board, the Federal Court, and the Federal Court of Appeal. He specializes in trademark litigation and has successfully prosecuted and defended infringement and expungement actions, opposition and cancellation proceedings, and appeals. Ryan is a (Class 3 licensee) trademark agent-in-training.
In his commercial practice, Ryan advises clients on a wide variety of IP issues, including IP ownership, risk management, strategic licensing and structuring, acquisition, research and development, commercialization, employment-related IP issues and copyright matters. He specializes in drafting complex IP agreements, including licensing, collaboration, and joint development agreements, and has particular expertise working with university spin-out companies.
Representative Work
- Béton Provincial
Béton Provincial in connection with its acquisition of CRH Canada Group Inc.
- Nicoya Lifesciences
Nicoya Lifesciences in its acquisition of LSK Technologies
- Inkbox Ink
Inkbox Ink in its US$65 million acquisition by BIC
- Agilysys
Agilysys in its US$25 million acquisition of ResortSuite
Béton Provincial in connection with its acquisition of CRH Canada Group Inc.
Nicoya Lifesciences in its acquisition of LSK Technologies
Inkbox Ink in its US$65 million acquisition by BIC
Agilysys in its US$25 million acquisition of ResortSuite
Latest Insights
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Osler Update July 7, 2025
The trademark four(mula): enforcement and risk mitigation
Without proper enforcement, businesses run the risk of losing the distinctiveness of their trademarks and the scope of protection they afford.
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Osler Update May 29, 2025
‘Use’ it or lose it: demystifying trademark use and its impact on your rights
Understanding the nuances and requirements of "use" is essential for protecting an organization’s brand and steering clear of costly conflicts.
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Osler Update April 17, 2025
Avoiding IP quicksand: lessons from ITP SA v. CNOOC Petroleum North America ULC
The decision serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of failing to manage IP diligently within large infrastructure projects.
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Osler Update March 31, 2025
Changes to Canadian trademark laws and practice coming April 1, 2025
We examine the amendments to the Trademarks Act and Trademarks Regulations coming into force on April 1, 2025, and their practical implications.
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Speaking and Writing
Speaking Engagements
OBA Canadian Corporate Counsel Association – Ontario Chapter
Speaker, “Fundamentals of IP Terms in Commercial Agreements”, October 18, 2024
Published Work
Ryan N Howes, “A Right to Choose: A Critical Review and Defence of the Minimum Performance Principle” (2019) 77:2 UT Fac L Rev 164.
Rashid, T., Howes, R. N., & Louden, R. (2016). Positive psychotherapy: A wellbeing approach to recovery. In M. Slade, L. Oades, & A. Jarden (Eds.), Wellbeing, recovery, and mental health (Chapter 10). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Rashid, T., & Howes, R. N. (2016). Positive psychotherapy: Clinical application of positive psychology. In A. M. Wood, & J. Johnson (Eds.), The Wiley Handbook of Positive Clinical Psychology (Chapter 22). Chichester, UK: Wiley.
Credentials
Education
- University of Toronto, J.D.
- University of Toronto, B.Sc.
Languages
- English
Professional Affiliations
- International Trademark Association (INTA) Member, Young Practitioners Committee (2022-2023, 2024-2025)
- Licensing Executives Society (LES)
