ARTICLE · 07 MARCH 2011

Hacker Faces Prison Sentence For Theft Of Online Poker Chips

Stikeman Elliott LLP

Explore more from Stikeman Elliott LLP

The BBC recently reported that an IT professional is facing a lengthy jail sentence after pleading guilty to stealing millions of dollars worth of online currency.

CanadaIntellectual Property

Intellectual Property Group

Author LinkedIn connections

The BBC recently reported that an IT professional is facing a lengthy jail sentence after pleading guilty to stealing millions of dollars worth of online currency. The defendant was apparently able to hack into the system of popular online gaming firm Zynga, and take about $12 million worth of poker chips. The case is notable in that the court appears to have recognized the value, as property, of virtual currency. Undoubtedly, this will be a developing area of law as more companies begin transacting in similar forms of virtual currency.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Related Articles

A KTEP Ahead: Canada's New Mechanism For Advanced Examination Of Patent Applications

CanadaIntellectual Property

Patenting Innovation In Data Centres: Protecting Configurations, Cooling Technologies, And The Green Advantage

WorldwideIntellectual Property

CIPO Launches The Key Technology Expedited Program

CanadaIntellectual Property

Recent TMOB Decision Shows That Sometimes, Establishing Use In A Section 45 Proceeding Is Straightforward

CanadaIntellectual Property

Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala

Fraudulent And Misleading IP Notices: What Rights Holders Should Know

CanadaIntellectual Property

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

Comparative Guide

Intellectual Property

Comparative Guide

Franchise & Licensing

Comparative Guide

Trademark Disputes

Comparative Guide

Patent Litigation

See more popular content from

Intellectual Property

A KTEP Ahead: Canada's New Mechanism For Advanced Examination Of Patent Applications

For a Canadian patent application to be examined, an applicant must file a request for examination with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). In most cases, the order in which applications are examined is based on the order that the requests for examination are received. An applicant may be able to accelerate examination of their patent application through several existing mechanisms, including advancing examination via special order, accelerating examination of applications related to green technology, and the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH).

CanadaIntellectual Property

Patenting Innovation In Data Centres: Protecting Configurations, Cooling Technologies, And The Green Advantage

The rapid expansion of data centre infrastructure has made these facilities a focal point for technological innovation and intellectual property investment. From server configurations to advanced cooling systems, the technologies deployed inside data centres represent significant R&D expenditure and competitive advantages. Patent protection offers operators and developers opportunities to safeguard innovations...

WorldwideIntellectual Property

CIPO Launches The Key Technology Expedited Program

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has introduced a new pilot program offering accelerated patent examination for innovations in two critical areas. What technologies qualify for expedited processing, and how can patent applicants take advantage of this limited opportunity?

CanadaIntellectual Property

Recent TMOB Decision Shows That Sometimes, Establishing Use In A Section 45 Proceeding Is Straightforward

The Trademarks Opposition Board recently upheld a registration for the FRÜH & DESIGN trademark covering top fermented beers, demonstrating that clear evidence of use can successfully defend against section 45 proceedings. This decision illustrates how straightforward documentation of sales, distribution networks, and delivery records proved sufficient to maintain trademark protection in Canada.

CanadaIntellectual Property

Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala

Fraudulent And Misleading IP Notices: What Rights Holders Should Know

Fraudulent communications targeting intellectual property rights holders are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often impersonating legitimate professionals or government offices. Understanding how these schemes operate and recognizing warning signs can help protect your valuable IP assets from exploitation.

CanadaIntellectual Property

Understanding The Canadian Intellectual Property Office's Patent TermAdjustment (PTA) System

Canada's new Patent Term Adjustment system offers compensation for delays in patent issuance, but qualifying depends on meeting specific eligibility requirements and strategic prosecution decisions. Understanding how the CIPO's "chess clock" philosophy works and implementing key strategies like deferred examination and timely maintenance fee payments can significantly impact whether meaningful term adjustments are granted.

CanadaIntellectual Property

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

What Evidence Of Use Is Required In A Section 45 Proceeding?

The Trademarks Opposition Board's recent ruling in Therrien Couture Joli-coeur v Oldcastle Building Products clarifies the evidentiary standards trademark owners must meet when responding to section 45 notices under Canada's Trademarks Act. This decision highlights critical distinctions between evidence of actual transfers versus mere advertising, and underscores the necessity of providing specific proof for each registered good to avoid expungement.

CanadaIntellectual Property

Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala

Restoring Patent Priority In Canada

Canadian patent law provides mechanisms for restoring priority claims when applications are filed after the standard 12-month priority period expires. Understanding the specific requirements, timelines, and criteria for restoration across regular Canadian applications, PCT national phase entries, and international stage PCT applications can help applicants preserve earlier filing dates and avoid self-anticipation issues.

CanadaIntellectual Property

Trademarks For Businesses - Part 3: Applying To Register A Trademark

Obtaining a trademark registration provides several benefits for businesses. Trademark registrations can help protect your rights and serve as assets that may be leveraged through licensing or used as collateral. However, obtaining a trademark registration in multiple jurisdictions can be a costly endeavour, and it can be difficult to prioritize where and when to seek registration to maximize protection.

CanadaIntellectual Property

Plant Breeders’ Rights Take Hold: Canada’s First Enforcement Case Signals Real Consequences For Infringers

The Saskatchewan Court of King's Bench has issued Canada's first damages award for plant breeders' rights infringement, adopting patent law principles to quantify substantial damages in a case...

CanadaIntellectual Property