ADMINISTRATIVE LAW |
Judicial Review |
Showtime Networks Inc. v. WIC Premium Television Ltd.
T-36-99
Gibson J.
7/4/00
10 pp.
Application for judicial review of Registrar's decision statement of opposition to applicant's application for registration of "Showtime" trade-mark raised substantial issue for decision within Trade-marks Act, s. 38(5)--Respondent alleging applicant, US-based satellite subscription-broadcasting corporation, "poaching" in Canadian territory to direct detriment of respondent's similar business--Other preliminary issue whether, in light of applicable statutory scheme, judicial review available herein--Application dismissed--Statement of opposition raising substantial issue for decision--However, immediate judicial review of interlocutory decision available only where special circumstances: Szczecka v. Canada (Minister of Employment and Immigration) (1994), 116 D.L.R. (4th) 333 (F.C.A.); Novopharm Ltd. v. Aktiebolaget Astra, [1996] 2 F.C. 839 (T.D.)--General rule statutory provision of right of appeal to courts from administrative decision prima facie indicating legislative intention to exclude courts' exercise of supervisory jurisdiction: Judicial Review of Administrative Action in Canada, Donald J. M. Brown and John M. Evans, Toronto: Canvasback Publishing, 1998--Adequate alternative remedy available to applicant: appeal at end of opposition proceeding (Act, s. 56(1))--Costs, delay and allegation respondent's opposition totally without merit not sufficient to exclude general rule--No "special circumstances" justifying judicial review--Trade-marks Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. T-13, ss. 38(5), 56(1).