Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG’s pre-eminent practice is widely lauded for its ‘in-depth expertise and knowledge in the field of intellectual property’. The group’s enviably deep bench and full-service coverage of IP law ensures that it is a go-to choice to support major Canadian and multinational companies in patent and trademark prosecution and IP litigation, among other issues. In Toronto, national IP head Shelagh Carnegie is sought after for her wealth of experience in trademark portfolio management and enforcement; Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel is also a key contact for trademark work; and Laurent Massam heads the IP litigation team. In Ottawa, heavyweight IP litigator Christopher Van Barr is widely revered for his record in representing major global corporations such as Google and Bayer. Patent experts Jay Zakaïb and John Harris, as well as trademark specialists Martha Savoy and Paula Clancy, are also noted in Ottawa. The group additionally benefits from a strong pool of up-and-coming lawyers including partners Nelson Godfrey (Vancouver) and Charlotte McDonald (Toronto), and impressive associate Jasleen Chahal (Toronto).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The firm packs a lot of experience, yet manages to stay quick and nimble. Always very responsive. I am aware the firm has a strong onus on diversity and handles a good amount of pro bono work.’
‘Though Shelagh Carnegie is co-chair of the IP practice, she takes great care of her clients through lightning fast responses, clarity in advice, and a business mindset that takes the competition into account. I have also found her prices eminently reasonable, especially for such an experienced lawyer.’
‘The team with which we currently work is highly responsive and knowledgeable. It also stands out for its diversity and capability to handle complex trademark matters.’
‘Eric Macramalla stands out as a highly responsive and capable attorney. He responds incredibly fast to requests and his opinions are always clear and concise. It is a pleasure working with him and our clients are very happy with the results.’
‘Laurent Massam is business-focused and effective in achieving results. He is strategic and helps to ensure our strategy protects our business as well as growing it. In addition, Laurent is extremely knowledgeable and an effective communicator.’
‘The team is comprised of specialists in various areas of IP we require, namely IP preparation and filing, trademark management, IP protection and IP litigation. At the onset, we were able to collaboratively develop an IP strategy for the organization which helped focus the efforts in specific areas of priority.’
‘One of the most impressive characteristics of the team we work with is its in-depth expertise and knowledge in the field of intellectual property. Attorneys possess a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of IP law, enabling them to provide insightful and practical advice to clients.’
‘We work with Paula Clancy and one of her key strengths is her exceptional client-centric approach. She takes the time to thoroughly understand the needs and objectives of the clients, which allows her to tailor the services to best suit each client's specific requirements.’
Key clients
- Bayer, Bayer Intellectual Property
- BC Hydro
- Chanel
- Crocs
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Farmobile
- GE Renewable Energy Canada
- Google Canada Corporation, Google and Alphabet
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN)
- Starbucks Coffee Company
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals
- Weetabix
Work highlights
- Represented the successful defendants (Google, Google Canada Corporation and Alphabet) in a patent infringement case before the Federal Court.
- Represented Bayer in nine pharmaceutical patent litigation cases against nine generic manufacturers concerning the drug XARELTO.
- Successfully represented the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) in an appeal, before the Federal Court of Appeal, from a decision of the Copyright Board of Canada concerning royalties for the retransmission in Canada of distant television signals.
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Gowling WLG
Partner Patent Agent, Trademark Agent; Head of Vancouver IP Litigation Department
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Shelagh Carnegie, John Harris, Laurent Massam, Martha Savoy