Intellectual Property Protection and Exploitation for Creative Class
Paul is actively involved in the protection and enforcement of the rights (copyrights and trademarks) of creators, writers, artists, photographers, film, TV and film producers, and musicians in all media.
Art World
Paul is a leading art lawyer and trusted advisor to artists, public/ private galleries and museums, auction-houses, philanthropists, and collectors on a variety of issues, transactions and disputes that arise in the art world.
Museums/ Public Galleries
On behalf of public art institutions, Paul assists with matters of provenance, restitution, major gifts/donations and cultural property/ heritage.
Branding/ Licensing
As a registered trademark agent, he oversees a large portfolio of international trademarks and handles domestic branding and licensing for clients in advertising, fashion, creative industries and for hospitality businesses.
Education & Credentials
Education
University of Toronto
B.A. (Hons), 1986Osgoode Hall Law School
LL.B., 1991Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- ORT Toronto Gala 2015 Honouree
Representative Clients
- AA Bronson
- ADG IP Inc./ Drake
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- The Astound Group
- Douglas Coupland
- Gardiner Museum
- ImageRights International
- Ken Lum
- McMaster University Museum
- National Gallery of Canada
- Tristan Eaton
Prominent Assignments
- Advising new NFT platforms is securing, licensing and protecting rights
- Represented a leading artists’ estate in international dispute with National Gallery over display of controversial art;
- Developed a new copyright policy for a major museum’s online and public photography guidelines;
- Advised estate of a major hip-hop artist in royalty/ insolvency matter;
- Acted on behalf of a major recording artist in connection with claim against former manager;
- Successfully negotiated settlements of copyright infringements of art works by a top fashion label and against a major television studio;
- Worldwide branding for cannabis companies;
- Negotiated significant public-art commissions on behalf of artists with municipalities and real estate developers;
- Counsel to collectors in art disputes involving forgeries and issues with authenticity;
- Oversaw numerous copyright disputes involving unauthorized use of works of internationally acclaimed and local artists.
Professional Involvement
- Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada
- Ontario Bar Association
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- The Copyright Society
- ABA – Entertainment section
- CBA – Entertainment section
Community Involvement
- Board Chairman/ President- Toronto Biennial of Art
- Past Board Member- The PowerPlant Gallery
- Past Board Member- Contact Photography Festival
- Advisor for several non-profit arts organizations
Publications/Presentations
- Author, "Free Mickey? (Don't Be Goofy)" Dickinson Wright IP Blog, February 2024
- Author, "Warhol and Prince: Good Artists Borrow, Great Artists…Litigate,” Dickinson Wright IP Brief Blog, June 2023
- Co-Author, “Good News for Creators: Canadian Extends Copyright Term," Dickinson Wright All Things Canada Blog, January 2023
- Co-Author, “Good News for Creators: Canadian Extends Copyright Term," Dickinson Wright Client Alert, Jan 2023
- Author, "Art Law: Cases and Controversies," LexisNexis, February 2022
- Co-Author, "What You Need To Know: Intellectual Property and Non-Fungible Tokens," Dickinson Wright Client Alert, May 2021
- Co-Author, “Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19 in Ontario,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, April 2020
- Author "Copyright Protection in Canada for Artists," Dickinson Wright Client Alert, February 2016