Eric Mayzel is a partner in the Litigation Group at Cassels. Eric’s practice focuses on intellectual property, including copyright, trademark, trade secrets, and entertainment matters, as well as the resolution of franchise law disputes, including rescission claims. Eric prioritizes a strategic and practical approach to litigation based on an understanding of each client’s goals.
In his IP practice, Eric strives to help clients resolve disputes, both in and out of court. He has appeared before all levels of the Federal Court and Ontario courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. Eric works with clients across a broad range of industries, including music, film and TV, franchising, and manufacturing. Eric has played key roles in ground-breaking hearings before the Copyright Board of Canada and in related proceedings. Eric is often called upon to protect clients’ brands, copyright, and personality rights (name, image and likeness) on the Internet, including in relation to domain name disputes.
Eric’s franchise practice benefits from his knowledge of franchise law and the commercial and IP issues affecting the franchise industry. He was part of a litigation team that defeated a $100 million franchise rescission class action (1250264 Ontario Inc. v. Pet Valu Canada Inc., 2016 ONCA 24). Eric also has experience enforcing non-competition and confidentiality agreements, including through urgent legal proceedings and with the use of digital forensic evidence. In addition to court proceedings, Eric has acted in numerous arbitrations and mediations, including a complex international arbitration matter.
Eric is co-chair of the inaugural Toronto Chapter of the Copyright Society and a coach for the Harold Fox Intellectual Property Moot. He has been recognized by Managing IP as a “Rising Star” and a Notable Practitioner. Eric has previously served as an executive member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Intellectual Property/Information Technology section.
