About

Provided by Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Gowling WLG is home to one of the largest and most highly regarded IP practices in Canada, as well as top teams in China, France, Germany, Singapore, the UAE and the U.K.


Our professionals deliver a full complement of intellectual property legal services to Canadian and international clients, including the enforcement of patents, trademarks and brands, copyright, industrial designs, trade secrets and related matters. We use technology to our clients’ full advantage, creating sophisticated processes that enable us to price our IP services at a level competitive to small firms without sacrificing the scope and depth of quality that a large and diverse firm provides.


We expertly manage and enforce global IP portfolios in range of key sectors, supported by the specialized education many of our professionals have in science, engineering and technology-related areas. This distinct combination of outstanding legal talent and in-depth industry knowledge enables us to better understand our clients’ work and help them maximize the full value of their IP assets.


Our intellectual property professionals have been shaping IP law for decades. Not only does Gowling WLG file more trademarks than any other law firm in Canada, but we continue to be the preeminent law firm in IP litigation matters. We manage tens of thousands of files and protect and enhance our clients' IP assets all over the world.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property - Nationwide - Canada

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Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Gowling WLG is renowned for its ability to handle a wide array of eye-catching IP mandates for a thriving Canadian and international client base. The law firm offers a deep bench of experienced practitioners knowledgeable in litigation and non-contentious proceedings. The team is highlighted for its impressive track record in IP disputes and notable strength in patent and trade mark matters. It regularly acts for clients in the technology, healthcare and sports sectors. The firm also offers notable expertise in trade secret and copyright matters and is able to provide representation in provincial courts across Canada. Its strength is particularly prominent in its Ottawa and Toronto offices.

Work Highlights

  • Gowling WLG acted for Starbucks Coffee Company in the management of all the company's trade mark prosecution and trademark enforcement needs in Canada.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Christopher C Van Barr
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Christopher C Van Barr
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Band 1
Christopher Van Barr is an experienced intellectual property litigator with notable expertise in patent infringement disputes. He represents industry-leading names in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. He is based in Ottawa.

Christopher has exceptional level of professionalism, trial experience and leadership.

Shelagh Carnegie
3
Shelagh Carnegie
3
Band 3

Shelagh Carnegie acts for a number of impressive retail and consumer products brands, managing important trade mark portfolios and advising on expansion. She co-leads the law firm's global IP team from its Toronto office.

Shelagh is a top-notch practitioner who ably manages the practice and handles client work.

Shelagh is excellent, practicable and a fierce fighter for her clients.

John Norman
4
John Norman
4
Band 4

Ottawa-based litigator John Norman is particularly noted for his patent expertise, representing clients in disputes and advising on regulatory matters. He is particularly sought out by clients in the life sciences sector, ranging from domestic biotechnology companies to multinational pharmaceutical organisations.

Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel
4
Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel
4
Band 4

Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel has an impressive reputation in the Canadian IP market, particularly for her trade mark expertise.

Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel is an exceptional trade mark lawyer.

She is very helpful strategically.

Selena Kim
4
Selena Kim
4
Band 4

Selena Kim is skilled at handling patent enforcement and strategy matters. She is based in Toronto and assists clients from a variety of sectors, including life sciences.

Shane Hardy
4
Shane Hardy
4
Band 4

Shane Hardy is a recognised expert in the area of Canadian trade mark law, acting for a range of leading domestic and global brands on issues ranging from prosecution to litigation.

Shane Hardy is an excellent person to work with on trade mark matters.

He has such a wide roster of clientele in a diverse number of industries and is able to draw upon that deep well of knowledge to advise on unique situations or challenges.

Jay Zakaïb
5
Jay Zakaïb
5
Band 5

Ottawa-based Jay Zakaïb is an experienced IP lawyer with a particular focus on infringement litigation. His impressive client roster features major brands in recreational products and gaming, as well as pharmaceutical companies.

Jay Zakaïb is an amazing lawyer and I value his advice greatly.

Laurent Massam
5
Laurent Massam
5
Band 5

Laurent Massam is a prominent lawyer who frequently assists with patent infringement and enforcement mandates. He is based in Toronto.

Laurent Massam is sharp, driven to deliver top results in a timely fashion and never disappoints.

Laurent is an exceptionally good lawyer.

R. Nelson Godfrey
5
R. Nelson Godfrey
5
Band 5

Based in Vancouver, Nelson Godfrey leads Gowling's trade marks group and is frequently seen advising on infringement litigation matters. His client roster includes companies in the manufacturing and retail sectors.

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Charlotte Mcdonald
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Up and Coming

Toronto-based Charlotte McDonald has a burgeoning practice in Gowling WLG's IP department where she has a special focus on intellectual property litigation.

Charlotte McDonald is highly responsive, bright and a pleasure to work with.

Ranked Lawyers at
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Nationwide - Canada

Intellectual Property

Shelagh Carnegie
3
Shelagh Carnegie
3
Band 3
Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel
4
Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel
4
Band 4
Selena Kim
4
Selena Kim
4
Band 4
Shane Hardy
4
Shane Hardy
4
Band 4
Intellectual Property: Litigation

Christopher C Van Barr
1
Christopher C Van Barr
1
Band 1
John Norman
4
John Norman
4
Band 4
Jay Zakaïb
5
Jay Zakaïb
5
Band 5
Laurent Massam
5
Laurent Massam
5
Band 5
R. Nelson Godfrey
5
R. Nelson Godfrey
5
Band 5
U
Charlotte Mcdonald
U
Up and Coming

Industries

Provided by Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Automotive

Aviation, Aerospace & Defence

Construction

Energy

Financial institutions and services

Food & Beverage

Life Sciences

Manufacturing

Oil & Gas

Retail & Franchising

Technology