Department profile
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Intellectual Property: Litigation

Canada Guide 2027 : Nationwide - Canada


Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Rankings

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.

Industries (11)

  • Life Sciences
  • Technology
  • Retail & Franchising
  • Food & Beverage
  • Automotive
  • Oil & Gas
  • Aviation, Aerospace & Defence
  • Construction
  • Energy
  • Financial institutions and services
  • Manufacturing

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property: Litigation - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

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

Provided by Chambers

  • Gowling WLG advised Dizolve Group with respect to its global IP strategy. This includes litigation, patent prosecution, trade mark prosecution and enforcement.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Gowling is responsive, understands our business and consistently delivers results.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • We always receive prompt responses from Gowling, and the team has very skilled professionals with depth of knowledge.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Gowling's strategy, responsiveness and proactiveness are real strengths.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Gowling provides top-notch service.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • The team at Gowling truly understands our business. It has taken the time to learn how we operate, what our priorities are and what success looks like for us. The firm's advice is commercially practical.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Christopher C Van Barr
    Band 1Christopher C Van Barr

    Christopher C Van Barr

    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 is highly skilled.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Christopher inspires confidence.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Christopher goes out of his way to ensure that we are well served. We rely on him to leverage his knowledge of our company and his commitment to ensuring we are well advised.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 3Shelagh Carnegie
    Band 3Shelagh Carnegie

    Shelagh Carnegie

    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 great client manager and I love working with her.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Shelagh has depth and superior knowledge. She possesses a craft and skill with poise and professionalism. She is easy to work with and I trust her advice.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Shelagh is a top-notch trade mark prosecutor.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 4John Norman
    Band 4John Norman

    John Norman

    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.

    • John is a very reliable guy. He knows the subject inside out, he is one of the best in this area in Canada.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • John has a great commercial mind and sound judgement. He is a great partner.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 4Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel
    Band 4Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel

    Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel

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

    • Natalie provides very practical advice and is very efficient, responsive and in tune to the client and the organisation's needs.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Natalie is very responsive and knowledgeable, thinks strategically and is a terrific lawyer to work with.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Natalie's strategic advice makes her stand out.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 4Selena Kim
    Band 4Selena Kim

    Selena Kim

    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.

    • Selena is an excellent IP lawyer.
      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Selena is exceptionally gifted.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 4Shane Hardy
    Band 4Shane Hardy

    Shane Hardy

    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 stands out for his excellent support and responsiveness.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Shane knows his stuff very well and does a great job.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Shane is fantastic. He provides timely advice and translates it into business-friendly pieces.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 5Jay Zakaïb
    Band 5Jay Zakaïb

    Jay Zakaïb

    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 is superior in all categories.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Jay is an experienced IP litigator.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 5Laurent Massam
    Band 5Laurent Massam

    Laurent Massam

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

    • Laurent is extremely capable. He is not only pleasant and a pleasure to deal with, but also very positive, enthusiastic, smart and engaging.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Laurent's depth of experience is invaluable.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 5Monique Couture
    Band 5Monique Couture

    Monique Couture

    Monique Couture is a respected trademark attorney who frequently advises on complex brand protection matters including mark enforcement and anti-counterfeiting.

    • Monique is very smart, very practical, very strategic, client-service focused, and seems to internalize and really care about the outcomes of the matters. She's wonderful.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Band 5R. Nelson Godfrey
    Band 5R. Nelson Godfrey

    R. Nelson Godfrey

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

    • Nelson is easy to talk to and work with. He is personable, sharp and prompt.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Nelson is great and well-versed in trade mark practice and prosecution.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
  • Up and ComingCharlotte McDonald
    Up and ComingCharlotte McDonald

    Charlotte McDonald

    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 genuinely cares about the success of my business and never falls short of going the extra mile.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Charlotte is very helpful, intelligent and responsive.
      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada
    • Charlotte provides exceptional service. She learnt the industry my business operates in and she is responsive. She delivers exceptional results.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP (11)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP has rankings in the following guides

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