Biography Photo of Paul Bain

Paul E. Bain

Partner

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

Osgoode Hall Law School

LL.B., 1991

University of Toronto

B.A. (Hons), 1986

Bar Admission

  • Ontario1991
    • Law Society of Upper Canada

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

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