Julie Huang

Julie Huang (she/her) is a Registered Trademark Agent who designs brand strategies and manages trademark portfolios for client across a wide variety of industries. As an accomplished IP advisor, Julie offers significant experience in IP prosecution and dispute resolution, including in proceedings involving trademark and industrial design filings, Office Actions, complex oppositions and expungements. She advises clients on litigation strategy and dispute resolution in cross-border transactions, anti-counterfeiting, managing and enforcing IP rights, and technology licensing. Julie has successfully represented clients before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and the Trademark Opposition Board, while she is not hesitant to negotiate and develop alternative dispute resolution for clients in a creative way.

Julie’s practice is broadly focused on national and international distribution of goods and services. She develops franchise systems and distribution programs for clients, including preparation of disclosure documents and franchise, license and distribution agreements, and negotiates disputes. She advises foreign franchisors and licensors expanding into Canada, and vice versa. She also provides guidance on marketing and pricing practices to assist clients in avoiding potential competition issues.

Areas of Focus

• Trademark
• Industrial Design
• Copyright
• Franchising

Representative Work

• Prepared trademark applications for over 300 clients in spanning industries such as unicorn company specializes in cutting-edge 3D printing technology, pioneering cannabis startups, prominent digital marketing enterprises and NFT art innovators
• Negotiated and drafted multi-party licensing and assignment agreements for a leading U.S. automobile accessories manufacturer
• Strategically navigated and resolved complex challenges from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, including overcoming issues related to prior trademark conflicts, inherent distinctiveness, and the accuracy of goods and services descriptions
• Advocated on behalf of clients in Opposition proceedings, taking on roles as both opponent and respondent, which involved comprehensive due diligence, managing client expectations and timelines, producing affidavit-based evidence, and conducting rigorous cross-examinations, notably against a listed Taiwanese company, German multinational motorcycle business, and a private equity firm
• Led the preparation of franchise disclosure documents, franchise agreements, and ancillary materials for a top-tier U.S. chain-restaurant brand with an annual revenue exceeding $1 billion
• Provided ongoing counsel to clients on franchise-related matters, including disclosure requirements, renewal strategies, and rescission procedures. Notably, played a pivotal role in terminating a franchise relationship for a renowned bubble tea brand with outlets in downtown Toronto