Biographical notes for Leonard Polsky

Contributing Editor, Franchise and Distribution (FD) 1994–

"The Importance of the Definition of a Franchise Under Alberta Franchise Legislation, and the Ramifications of Changing the Definition" (1994) 1 FD 16

"Trade-Mark Licensing and Franchisor Vicarious Liability: A New Relationship Between the Two" (1995) 1 FD 46

"Trademarks Are Replacing Copyright to Protect Promotional Designs" (1995) 1 FD 81

"Key Definitions Determine What Is a Franchise Under the New Alberta Franchises Act" (1995) 2 FD 117

"One-Sided Franchise Agreements: The Elusive Concept of Fundamental Breach by the Franchisor" (1996) 2 FD 158

"Conforming a United States Uniform Franchise Offering Circular into an Alberta Disclosure Document" (1996) 3 FD 202

"The Conflicting Roles of a Master Franchisee and Sub-Franchisor" (1997) 3 FD 222

"Location Control: To Do or Not To Do" (1997) 4 FD 266

"Implementation of Costly System Changes in a Franchise System" (1998) 4 FD 301

"The Sale of Franchisor-Operated Units to New Franchisees" (1998) 4 FD 329

"Franchising and Labour Law in British Columbia: the Current Picture – Part I" (1998) 5 FD 349

"Franchising and Labour Law in British Columbia: the Current Picture – Part II" (1998) 5 FD 362

"Adapting the Franchise Agreement for the Internet" (1999) 6 FD 452

"Adapting the Franchise Agreement for Sub-franchising" (2000) 6 FD 480

"How to Plan for the Succession of the Unit Sub-Franchise Agreements When the Master Franchise Agreement Is Terminated" (2000) 7 FD 519

"Variations on the Theme — Why Is the Franchise Agreement Not So Standard" (2000) 7 FD 53

"Preparing the Franchise System for International Expansion" (2001) 7 FD 57

Born 27 June 1944

Educated University of British Columbia B.A., LL.B.; University of London (London School of Economics and Political Science) LL.M.

Partner, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP 1999–

Partner, Ferguson Gifford 1990-99

Associate (1971-74), then Partner (1974-90), Ray Connell

Called to the Bar of British Columbia 1971

Articled, Ray Connell 1970-71

Registered Canadian Trade Mark Agent 1972

Member, various committees of the Canadian Franchise Association

Member, Canadian Bar Association, American Bar Association, International Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Society of B.C., Intellectual Property Institute of Canada, Patent and Trademark Association of B.C., International Franchise Association, International Trademark Association, Licensing Executives Society, B.C. Technology Industries Association

Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Franchising and Distribution Law

Author, numerous papers, articles and continuing legal education course materials in the fields of domestic and international franchising, trade mark, product distribution and licensing, and international investment in Canada; regular columnist for Canadian Business Franchise and International Franchise Investor magazines and annual Canadian Business Franchise Handbook

Mr. Polsky practises commercial law, with an emphasis on domestic and international franchising, product distribution, dealerships, trade mark and other intellectual property and technology/software licensing, and Competition Act matters. He has extensive experience in drafting franchise, license, product distribution and dealer agreements, as well as in franchise registration and disclosure practices, and in the registration and protection of trade marks and copyrights. He served as outside franchising and intellectual property licensing counsel to Expo 86 Corporation, in connection with the holding of the 1986 Expo in Vancouver.