John Yiokaris
Canada Guide 2024
Band 3 : Franchising
Band 3
About
Provided by John Yiokaris
Career
John leads our firm’s Automotive Sector practice, drawing on his considerable experience working as lead counsel for several of Canada’s largest automotive manufacturers and numerous dealers. In addition to handling dealer development matters, he has extensive experience in acting in automobile dealership disputes and in proceedings under the National Automobile Dealer Arbitration Program. John is also the Head of our Trademark practice and has extensive knowledge of intellectual property issues, including, the registering and licensing of trademarks. He is also a leading franchise practitioner in the restaurant, grocery, hotel, real estate and professional services sectors, advising businesses at every stage of franchising system development. John has particular expertise in the work out of distressed franchisees and in structuring transfers in the best interests of the franchise system. A significant portion of John’s practice is dedicated to providing strategic commercial advice on complex franchise defaults and disputes, enforcements, and terminations. John serves as co-managing partner of our firm.
Awards
Awarded the Lexology 2019 Client Choice Award for Franchising in Ontario
Ranked in Chambers Canada – Franchising (2019 – 2024)
Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in Canada – Franchise Law (2015 – 2024)
Listed in Best Lawyers in Canada – Corporate Law (2024)
Recognized in Best Lawyers Global Business Edition (2016 – 2023)
Listed as “Consistently Recommended” in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Franchise (2013 – 2023)
Listed in Who’s Who Legal National Guide: Canada Franchise (2013 – 2023)
Listed in Who’s Who Legal Global Guide – Franchise (2021 – 2023)
Inducted into the “Hall of Fame – 2022” by Franchise Times Magazine
Named “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times Magazine (2013 – 2024)
Articles, highlights and press releases
5 items provided by Sotos LLP
Dealership Agreements: They’re Not for as Long as You Think
When a dealer enters into an agreement with an automaker, it may be contemplating a forever, “till death do us part” kind of relationship. In the early stages of the relationship, both parties are inevitably optimistic and likely expect that they will carry on happily ever after.
Bad Faith and the Importance of Trademark Registration
In Beijing Judian Restaurant Co. Ltd. v. Wei Meng, 2022 FC 743, the Federal Court struck a trademark from the register because it was registered in bad faith.
Trademark Research and Protection Services
Various amendments to the Trademarks Act (RSC, 1985, c. T-13) (the “Act”) came into force in the summer of 2019.
What do I need to know about using “Cookies” on my website?
A cookie is essentially a small storage unit that gathers data or information about you when you are on a website. Cookies are used to monitor your activity on a website to allow the website to remember things about you for the next time you visit that website.
Distinctiveness in Registered Trademarks
Registered trademarks are different from common law trademarks where you have rights to trademarks if you can show you have established use and recognition. The point of registration is that it gives you rights and remedies that are above those available at common law.
Dealership Agreements: They’re Not for as Long as You Think
When a dealer enters into an agreement with an automaker, it may be contemplating a forever, “till death do us part” kind of relationship. In the early stages of the relationship, both parties are inevitably optimistic and likely expect that they will carry on happily ever after.
Bad Faith and the Importance of Trademark Registration
In Beijing Judian Restaurant Co. Ltd. v. Wei Meng, 2022 FC 743, the Federal Court struck a trademark from the register because it was registered in bad faith.
Trademark Research and Protection Services
Various amendments to the Trademarks Act (RSC, 1985, c. T-13) (the “Act”) came into force in the summer of 2019.
What do I need to know about using “Cookies” on my website?
A cookie is essentially a small storage unit that gathers data or information about you when you are on a website. Cookies are used to monitor your activity on a website to allow the website to remember things about you for the next time you visit that website.
Distinctiveness in Registered Trademarks
Registered trademarks are different from common law trademarks where you have rights to trademarks if you can show you have established use and recognition. The point of registration is that it gives you rights and remedies that are above those available at common law.