Gowling WLG

Partner Leader - Intellectual Property Litigation and Strategy, Canada

Laurent Massam is a partner in Gowling WLG's Toronto office, and the Canadian leader of the firm's Intellectual Property Litigation and Strategy Group.

Laurent has 15 years of experience as a litigator and strategic adviser in respect of all forms of intellectual property disputes, and complex commercial litigation.

Laurent has appeared as trial counsel in patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret and commercial disputes relating to all manner of subject-matter, including in the areas of manufacturing, mechanical, software, transportation, broadcasting and communication. Laurent regularly represents clients before the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Copyright Board of Canada, as well as the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Laurent has been recognized by his peers for his strategic and litigation expertize being named one of Lexpert's "Rising Star – Leading Lawyer under 40", as well as a "Litigation Lawyer to Watch" in the Guide to the Leading US/Canada Cross-boarder Litigation Lawyers in Canada. Laurent was also awarded the 2019 Lexpert Zenith award as a "Change Agent in Law", and in 2020 was named as a "Copyright Star" in Managing IP's IP Stars.

In addition to his litigation work, Laurent is regularly relied upon by his domestic and international clients to provide strategic advice and lead them through complex mediations and other forms of negotiation.

Beyond his litigation practice, Laurent is dedicated to giving back to the profession and the community, in particular to those who might not otherwise have access to justice. Laurent is the head of Gowling WLG's Pro Bono Program, and is on the Executive Board of the Toronto Anti-Racism Action Committee. Laurent is also an editor of Gowling WLG's IP Report and an editor of content for Gowling WLG's GoXL media platform.

In addition to holding both common and civil law degrees, Laurent graduated with a Bachelors' degree in Civil Engineering from McGill University, and a Masters of Applied Science in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Toronto.