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Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Intellectual Property: Litigation

Global Guide 2026 : Canada

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Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property: Litigation - Canada

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.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • 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

  • The lawyers offer exceptional client service, practical legal advice and they take a long view of the benefits to a client for any given action.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • Gowling WLG has consistently demonstrated extraordinary levels of attention to detail, client responsiveness and subject matter expertise.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • The firm provides thorough advice on intellectual property matters and it is a very strong team with extensive experience in the areas.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • The team at Gowling is very impressive in terms of the expertise that they offer.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • Gowling's client communication is excellent, detailed and timely.

    Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Christopher C Van Barr
    Christopher 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 has exceptional level of professionalism, trial experience and leadership.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal
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  • Shelagh Carnegie
    Shelagh 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 excellent, practicable and a fierce fighter for her clients.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

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

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal
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  • John Norman
    John 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.

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  • Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel
    Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel

    Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel

    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.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • She is very helpful strategically.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal
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  • Selena Kim
    Selena 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.

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  • Shane Hardy
    Shane 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.

    • 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.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

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

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal
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  • Jay Zakaïb
    Jay 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 Zakaïb is an amazing lawyer and I value his advice greatly.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal
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  • Laurent Massam
    Laurent Massam

    Laurent Massam

    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.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • Laurent is an exceptionally good lawyer.

      Intellectual Property: Litigation respondentGlobal
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  • R. Nelson Godfrey
    R. Nelson Godfrey

    R. Nelson Godfrey

    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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Ranked Individuals at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP (9)

Canada

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

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