The Role of International Treaties in the Interpretation of Canadian Intellectual Property Statutes

Daniel J. Gervais, University of Ottawa

Article comments

(c) Irwin Law 2006; Daniel Gervais

Abstract

The relationship between domestic intellectual property statutes and international law in growing in scope and depth. This paper is a chapter in a book that emphasizes that international law is not only used to interpret domestic law but in fact may itself become a guide for international tribunals, such as the World Trade Organization Dispute-Settlement Body. The Paper considers mostly the role that international norms have played in recent decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada and the Federal Court.