Mr John Harris > Gowling WLG > Ottawa, Canada > Lawyer Profile

IP powerhouse Gowling WLG stands out for its unrivalled national platform — which takes in seven offices across the country — as well as for its ability to leverage on-the-ground teams in the UK, Europe, the UAE and China. The group’s global coverage and comprehensive service offering marks it as a first port of call for major companies looking for support on domestic and multinational IP issues, with its strong suits encompassing the full range of patents, trademarks, designs, trade secrets, copyrights, advertising and IP litigation matters. The department is led jointly by Canadian IP head Shelagh Carnegie (Toronto), who stands out for her premier trademark prosecution practice; John Harris (Ottawa), who spearheads the patents area; Will Boyer (Ottawa), who serves as head of IP litigation and strategy; and Nelson Godfrey (Vancouver), who fronts the trademark group. The firm’s formidably deep bench additionally benefits from the senior expertise of seasoned IP litigators Christopher Van Barr (Ottawa), Michael Crichton (Ottawa) and Laurent Massam (Toronto). Also highly recommended are: Ottawa-based trademark specialists Martha Savoy and Paula Clancy; Toronto-based Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel, who focuses on contentious work involving patents, trademarks and copyrights; and Ottawa-based patent partner Jay Zakaïb. An impressive pool of younger lawyers includes next generation partner Charlotte McDonald, who specializes in IP litigation and trademarks, as well as talented associate Jasleen Chahal — both are in Toronto.