Marc J. Belliveau

Marc J. Belliveau

902-407-6480 (902) 469-9500 mbelliveau@boyneclarke.ca
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"I enjoy finding pragmatic and creative solutions to client needs, particularly in respect of trade-marks and copyright issues. Working diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients has been the guiding principle of my professional life."

About Marc

Marc retired from the practice of law in 2014. He is a Trade-mark Agent and Senior Corporate Paralegal on our Business Law team. During his career as a lawyer, Marc practiced in Intellectual Property, Computer and Technology Transactions, Corporate and Commercial Transactions and Securities Law and is fluently bilingual in English and French.

Born in Montréal, he first came to Dal in 1977 for his undergraduate studies. Later in life, Marc returned to Halifax and began practicing law in 1991. In 1997, he became a Trade-mark Agent. He appeared before all levels of courts, worked on the historic privatization of Nova Scotia's electric utility, assisted in numerous securities offerings and represented large corporations in servicing their IP and IT legal requirements during the early days of the internet’s development when little legislation or jurisprudence was available.

Marc is also an experienced musician, has published original songs and performs regularly in Halifax. He is happily married with four children.

Areas of Practice

Marc's Background

Education
  • 1987 – 1990: LL.B., Dalhousie University, Business Law, Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • 1980 – 1982: M.B.A., McGill University, Finance & International Business, Montréal, Québec
  • 1977 – 1980: B.Sc., Dalhousie University, Mathematics, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Employment
  • 2018 - Present: Director of Corporate Services, BOYNECLARKE LLP, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
  • 2017 - Present: Trade-mark Agent & Senior Corporate Paralegal, BOYNECLARKE LLP, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
  • 2000 - 2014: Stewart McKelvey, Partner, Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • 1989 - 2000: Cox Hanson O’Reilly Matheson, Associate & Partner, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Professional Memberships
  • Member - International Practice Management Association
  • Registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) as a Trade-mark Agent
  • Fellow of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
  • Former Member of the Nova Scotia Bar Association
  • Former Executive Member of the National Conference of French-Speaking Lawyers of the Canadian Bar Association
  • Former President of the Association des juristes d'expression française de la N.-É.
  • Published numerous articles for legal journals and newsletters
  • Guest Lecturer at many Provincial and National bar-sponsored Continuing Legal Education events
Community Activities
  • Former President of the Conseil Communautaire du Carrefour du Grand Havre
  • Former Executive Musical Director of the annual March of Dimes Canada, Rock for Kids Halifax
  • Preserved and Advanced the minority language rights of Acadians through lobbying efforts before the courts and Provincial Legistlature
Awards
  • 2011: Reverend Roy Essex Award by March of Dimes Canada

Recent Blog Posts by Marc

Blog Post | March 6, 2018

Are Cover Bands Copyright Pirates?

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

When your favourite local cover band performs an exact rendition of Brown-Eyed Girl, Sweet Home Alabama or Wagon Wheel, are they infringing the copyright of the song’s owner?

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Blog Post | February 8, 2018

Why Should I Register My Trade-mark?

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

While a trade-mark does not have to be registered, the legal advantages and significant benefits of registration are undeniable.

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Blog Post | October 3, 2017

Who Owns the Copyright in Your Tattoo?

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

Tattoos have existed for over 5,000 years and are becoming more popular than ever. Few people may realize though, that they do not own the copyright to the beautiful artwork inked forever into their skin.

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Blog Post | September 7, 2017

Copyright Law: Should Canada Adopt Photoshop Disclaimers?

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

This fall the Federal government will undertake a mandated review of the Copyright Act. 

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Blog Post | July 21, 2017

The York University Case: Crisis in Copyright Law

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

You’ve often heard the old legal saying “hard cases make bad law.”  Well, it still happens.

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Blog Post | July 6, 2017

Trade-marks: Bring out your Worst Words

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

On June 19, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court (USSC) delivered a unanimous decision that the 1946 trade-mark law (Lanham Act) prohibiting the registration of “disparaging” words and phrases, violated the country’s constitution as an unacceptable restriction on free speech.

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Blog Post | May 26, 2017

Three-Dimensional Trade-marks

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

On May 17, 2017 the UK Court of Appeal's denied Nestle's decade-long efforts to register its iconic four-finger shape of a KitKat bar in Britain. The shape of the candy is registered as a trade-mark in several countries, including Canada, Australia, France, and Germany.

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Blog Post | April 18, 2017

Copyright Law: Moral Rights in Sculpture Placement

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

A heated debate is emerging in the copyright world this week; can an artist’s moral rights be infringed merely by placing an object next to a sculpture. This debate poses the questions, what are moral rights and how does the Canadian Copyright Act protect artists.

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Blog Post | March 29, 2017

When A Cease & Desist Letter Backfires

Image Authored by: Marc J. Belliveau Posted in: Intellectual Property

During the most popular week for burgers in Halifax, it was reported that lawyers for McDonald’s Corporation sent a cease and desist letter to a Halifax restaurant. A cease and desist letters can have a strong deterrent effect, if it's without solid legal foundation, the sender loses credibility.

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