Technology in Canada

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

With lawyers based in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, the technology group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP supports clients from a range of sectors with M&A and regulatory matters. The group is particularly well-versed advising clients in the financial services, pharmaceutical, telecoms, tech and energy segments. Montreal-based practice head Sunny Handa provides transactional and regulatory support to tech, telecoms and defence-sector clients, and has additional knowledge of outsourcing, cloud computing, e-commerce, privacy and data protection. Additional key partners include transactional specialists Marie-Hélène Constantin and Joanna Myszka in Montreal, and David Feldman and Robert Percival, both based in Toronto. Joanna Myszka

Practice head(s):

Sunny Handa


Other key lawyers:

Marie-Hélène Constantin; David Feldman; Robert Percival; Joanna Myszka 


Key clients

Beneva Group


MAI Investments


Portage Cybertech


Sycamore Partners Management


Work highlights


  • Assisted Beneva in connection with its sale of SSQ Dealer Services’ distribution business to Sym-Tech Dealer Service.
  • Assisted Sycamore Partners with its acquisition of Lowe’s Companies’s Canadian retail business including Lowe’s Canada and Rona stores.
  • Assisted MAI Investments with the sale of Eclipse Automation to Accenture PLC, as well as related corporate work.

Fasken

The expertise of the sizeable practice at Fasken encompasses large systems implementations and outsourcing arrangements, Internet business models, e-commerce and consumer protection matters, data protection and tech-related M&A. The group also routinely handles venture capital and private equity financings, exit transactions and IPO listings. The department is co-led by a team of six partners: Andrew Alleyne, Andrew Nunes and Will Shaw lead from Toronto; Adam Saskin and Constantinos Ragas co-manage the emerging technologies group from Montreal; and Shahrooz Nabavi is stationed in Vancouver. Karam Bayrakal has niche expertise assisting interactive media companies, in particular video game developers and publishers, with development and publishing transactions.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Alleyne; Andrew Nunes; Will Shaw; Shahrooz Nabavi; Constantinos Ragas; Adam Saskin


Other key lawyers:

Karam Bayrakal


Testimonials

‘Overall very strong; oriented towards larger companies. The team has the capability to handle complex agreements on a large scale.’

‘Incredibly knowledgeable lawyers in this field; excellent executive presence with clients; clear and concise communications; diversity.’

‘Andrew Nunes – in addition to excellent technical skills and his knowledge of the field and issues, he has excellent communication skills and presence with leadership. He demonstrates patience and understanding when trying to explain legal concepts to business leaders.’

Key clients

Metrolinx


Economical Insurance Group


Arthur Health


Novarc Technologies


Puzzle Medical


Carfax


Work highlights


  • Assisted Metrolinx with the development of a contract regime for its extensive procurement program to modernize the PRESTO payment system.
  • Advised Economical on the Renewal of Master Services Agreement with Kyndryl (successor to IBM Canada).
  • Advised Arthur Health on the termination and replacement of the platform provider for its healthcare technology platform for the delivery of clinic based injury care.

McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault houses a strong technology practice that specializes in major technology procurements, acquisitions and outsourcing mandates. The team is regularly called upon by banking, insurance, government, energy and retail-sector clients, who also benefit from the group’s privacy and cybersecurity expertise. Toronto-based practice head Christine Ing leads on transactional matters and is knowledgeable on emerging technologies including AI and blockchain. Also in Toronto, Michael Scherman's expertise covers cloud services and licensing. In Montreal, Charles Morgan is noted for his cybersecurity, AI and data protection knowledge. David Crane, who is well-versed in IT procurement, cloud and e-commerce matters, is the key name to note in Vancouver.

Practice head(s):

Christine Ing


Other key lawyers:

Michael Scherman; Charles Morgan; David Crane


Key clients

Nesto


The Province of BC (Ministry of Finance)


The Province of BC (Ministry of Citizens’ Services)


Canadian Securities Administrators


Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

The group at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP offers support on sophisticated technology and outsourcing transactions. The team advises startups and corporations on matters relating to payment systems, customer and sales data collection, loyalty card programs, logistics,and supply chain management, and is up to speed on areas such as AI, blockchain and robotics. Toronto-based practice head Wendy Gross provides transactional and regulatory expertise, and has substantial knowledge of data protection, e-commerce, anti-spam and consumer protection. Also in Toronto, Michael Fekete is a key contact for privacy and AI matters. Ted Liu is known for advising insurance companies, energy companies and financial institutions on complex outsourcing matters. Alexandra Hodgson in Toronto brings notable support at the associate level.

Practice head(s):

Wendy Gross


Other key lawyers:

Michael Fekete; Ted Liu; Alexandra Hodgson


Key clients

Microsoft Canada


Canadian Tire


CIBC


Interac


TMX Group


Infrastructure Ontario


TikTok Canada


University Pension Plan


TELUS/Lifeworks


General Motors of Canada


Greater Toronto Airports Authority


TD Bank


Symcor


The TDL Group


Tomi Poutanen


City of Toronto


Municipal Property Assessment Corporation


Affinity Credit Union


Torys

Torys‘s practice demonstrates expertise in outsourcing, fintech, M&A, start-up financing, venture capital, gaming, infrastructure and data licensing matters. The group is frequently instructed by infrastructure, finance, healthcare, energy and real estate clients. Toronto-based partners Adam Armstrong and Joel Ramsey co-lead the team. Armstrong specializes in technology and commercial contracting matters, including complex service arrangements, while Ramsey majors on technology development and procurement, fintech and privacy matters. Ebad Rahman is active on matters involving sponsorship, licensing and naming rights agreements, while Jessica Lumiere is the key name to note at the senior associate level.

Practice head(s):

Adam Armstrong; Joel Ramsey


Other key lawyers:

Ebad Rahman; Jessica Lumiere


Testimonials

‘Clients should know that the knowledge about technology that the Torys team has is second to none. Furthermore, their innovations are impressive. Regular client surveys about the Torys work are the norm, even as work is unfolding. Torys also gears its innovations for busy clients on the move. Everything was set up for mobile and the team was available 24/7.’

‘Adam Armstrong has experience and subject expertise that I have never encountered before. His advice was a rare combination of strategic, practical, detail-oriented, and results-focused, and he is also a fabulous negotiator.’

‘Everyone I’ve worked with in this practice has been a cut above. But the true measure of a team is its leader, and Joel Ramsey is as enjoyable to work with as he is brilliant. I’ve worked with him on multiple engagements over the last 15 years, and always recommend him to my clients.’

‘Ebad is the lead we deal with and is incredibly customer-focused. He is a talented lawyer but, more importantly, he’s a wonderful business partner. I recommend Ebad whenever I am asked if I know a good commercial lawyer for technology transactions.

Key clients

Infrastructure Ontario


Lindsay Broadband


AgileBits


Payments Canada


Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation


Work highlights


  • Acted for Infrastructure Ontario in connection with the preparation and negotiation of a managed security services contract.
  • Advised Lindsay Broadband on its sale to Technetix Group, a global broadband technology provider.
  • Advised 1Password on its acquisition of Passage Identity, a developer-first passwordless authentication company.

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP's technology group demonstrates strength in commercial agreements, disputes M&A, and cybersecurity, IP, privacy, data protection and regulatory matters. Vancouver-based partner Andrew Hennigar specializes in assisting private companies with domestic and cross-border M&A, venture capital and private equity transactions, and strategic alliances and partnerships. The focus of Mark Fecenko's Toronto-based practice is on the intersection of technology, procurement and partnering with the private and public sectors. Patrice Martin in Montreal brings skill to such areas as AI and autonomous vehicles.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Hennigar


Other key lawyers:

Mark Fecenko; Patrice Martin


Key clients

Netflix


Meta


Emtelligent Solutions


Exo Imaging


Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson


Marlin Equity Partners


BDC Capital


Assabet Capital Partners


Satisfai Health


Carmanah Technologies


Caisse de dépot et placement du Québec


Inflexion Private Equity Partners


Chantier Davie Canada


Goodmans LLP

The group at Goodmans LLP routinely provides counsel on technology acquisitions, investments and financing, outsourcing and cloud computing, dispute resolution, and privacy, IP and regulatory matters. Its diverse client base spans public and private companies, investors, entrepreneurs, lenders, government agencies, software developers, e-commerce companies and internet service providers. The department is co-led by a trio of Toronto-based partners: Richard Corley, who handles complex outsourcing transactions, technology M&A and joint ventures; Peter Ruby, who majors on litigation and ADR involving technology, energy, corporate, commercial and restructuring matters; and corporate governance and regulatory compliance-focused Allan Goodman.

Practice head(s):

Richard Corley; Allan Goodman; Peter Ruby


Testimonials

‘The team at Goodmans has helped solidify our company’s reputation as a capable, innovative technology company that values excellence. We have been introduced to several lawyers within Goodmans – each with impressive credentials that have been recognized as outstanding by our A-list investors during contract negotiations.’

‘Allan Goodman has provided our company with counsel that has contributed to our successful negotiation of multiple investor agreements.’

Key clients

Intuit


Interac


SAP Canada and SAP America


Canaccord Genuity Group


Ceridian HCM Holdings


Docebo


Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation


Canadian Institute for Exponential Growth (Singularity University Canada)


RatioCity


Round13 Capital


Lending Loop Financial


AdHawk


National Bank Financial


Warren Equity Partners


Dye & Durham


Menasha Packaging Company LLC


10KC Technology


Wiser Solutions


Green Patch


evolutionQ


Avanti Software


Shipfusion


System-3


Micruity


Work highlights


  • Advised Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation on the structuring, procurement strategy and transaction documents for the modernization of land-based gaming in Ontario.
  • Advised Ten Thousand Coffees (10KC) on its $56m investment from Five Elms Capital.
  • Advised evolution in relation to the closing of $7m in Seed Preferred Share funding from a group of international venture capital partners.

Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG‘s almost 150-strong technology department routinely assists Canadian and international clients in both the private and public sectors with e-commerce law, M&A transactions, outsourcing and cybersecurity matters. The group is also regularly engaged in projects involving AI, blockchain and fintech. Viona Duncan steers the practice and specializes in assisting clients with M&A and debt and equity financings with technology components, as well as technology contracting matters such as licensing, joint venture, strategic alliance and distribution agreements.

Practice head(s):

Viona Duncan


Other key lawyers:

Wendy Wagner


Testimonials

‘The team at offers a multitude of services in a large amount of practice areas. They have a seamless and integrated local and international team that cooperate between different practice areas to offer the best and most complete client service.’

‘The practice is both very practical and highly responsive. They return timely and business-enabling guidance regardless of the complexity of challenges thrown their way.’

‘Despite her heavy workload, Wendy Wagner is able to deliver high-quality advice based on her own experience and a strong bullpen of partners and associates who support her work.’

Key clients

Google


eBay


META Platforms


Amazon and Amazon Web Services


Swift Labs


Glia Technologies


ACTO Technologies


Miovision Technologies


McRock Fund II LP


Flahmingo Investments


Work highlights


  • Acted as in-house product counsel for Central Product Platforms (META Platforms), managing and mitigating privacy, regulatory, commercial and risk.
  • Advised Amazon providing a broad range of ongoing legal services, government-related and strategic advice including the opening of its data services and fulfilment centres in Canada.
  • Advised Miovision on a funding round that raised $260m in growth funding, and acted as lead and corporate counsel in the acquisition of Rapid Flow Technologies.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Boasting personnel based at its Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa and Québec City offices, the technology group at Norton Rose Fulbright is well-versed in technology issues arising from M&A and investments. Senior partner and cybersecurity specialist Imran Ahmad leads the department. Ahmad splits his time between the Montreal and Toronto offices and majors on developing and implementing strategies related to cyber threats, as well as providing legal risk assessments and due diligence services.

Practice head(s):

Imran Ahmad


Testimonials

‘Strong privacy and commercial legal solutions addressing some of the key issues in our industry.’

Key clients

CAE


Poka


WeCommerce Holdings


Lithion Technologies


FG Financial Group


NortonLifeLock


Coveo Solutions


Benevity


VerticalScope


Amcomri Entertainment


diaMentis


Activision Blizzard


Affirm


VIDÉOTRON LTÉE


Enthusiast Gaming


Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec


Work highlights


  • Advised CAE on its $392.5m purchase of Sabre’s AirCentre operations.
  • Acted for WeCommerce Holdings in connection with its merger with Tiny Capital, a Victoria, BC-based technology holding company with a strategy of acquiring majority stakes in technology-focused businesses around the world, to form Tiny Ltd.
  • Advised Quebec-based Poka on the sale of its shares to IFS World Operations AB (a Swedish enterprise technology company).

Baker McKenzie

The practice at Baker McKenzie offers clients counsel on IT licensing agreements, AI solutions, data governance standards, and broadcasting and media requirements. Toronto-based Theo Ling leads the group and specializes in digital transformation and data governance mandates that involve data privacy and electronic payments elements. Conrad Flaczyk is the key name to note at the associate level.

Practice head(s):

Theodore (Theo) Ling


Other key lawyers:

Conrad Flaczyk


Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

The technology group at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP specializes in assisting tech companies and corporations in other sectors with product life cycles and regulatory issues, in addition to the use of technology services and products. The practice is co-led by Toronto-based Zain Rizvi, who assists tech companies with corporate transactions. Alongside him, Montreal-based Brian Kujavsky focuses on corporate, M&A and securities matters. Alexander Max Jarvie, previously at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, joined the group in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Zain Rizvi; Brian Kujavsky


Testimonials

‘Davies has an incredible reputation in Canada as the top firm, with some of the best lawyers in the country. While there are a lot of other great firms, potential clients should know that the level of knowledge and experience with Davies and the people interaction is world-class.’

‘The individuals we work with stand out because they are both incredibly good at what they do but also very personable and relatable. We value the ability to work collaboratively in strategy, planning and execution.’

Key clients

Smile CDR


Stripe


Garnet Labs


MacKinnon, Bennett & Co.


Toast


Cookin


Block


OSRAM Licht AG


Kensington Private Equity Fund


Meta Investments


Work highlights


  • Acted for Cordis-X, the lead investor in the C$34m Series A funding round by Puzzle Medical Devices, a medical device company specializing in the development of a minimally invasive long-term hemodynamic transcatheter pump.
  • Acted for Smile CDR in its approximately $30m Series B funding round led by existing investors.
  • Acted for FS Investors in connection with its investment in the Montréal green tech company CarbiCrete.

Dentons

The over 40-strong team at Dentons is known for assisting clients with matters relating to blockchain, fintech, cryptocurrency, virtual reality and AI, as well as offering regulatory and M&A counsel. Ottawa-based David Little co-heads the group and has focused his practice on venture capital financings. Alongside him, senior counsel Tom Sides co-leads from Edmonton and specializes in technology, intellectual property and privacy matters.

Practice head(s):

David Little; Tom Sides


Key clients

Miovision Technologies Incorporated


Lytica


Beedie Investments / Beedie Capital


Graphite Ventures


Field Effect Software


Kinaxis


Colliers Group International


Hangry Solutions


FemTherapeutics


BDC Capital


KATEK SE


The Sampler App


EBOX


Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation on a Master Network Access and User Agreement (ISP services) and an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Services Agreement, for the construction of telecommunications networks in Alberta
  • Advised Kinaxis on its acquisition of MPO, a European headquartered company that offers a unified global cloud-based SaaS platform for multi-party orchestration of orders, inventory and transport.
  • Advised global cyber security company Field Effect on its $34.5m Series A financing led by Edison Partners.

DLA Piper (Canada) LLP

The group at DLA Piper (Canada) LLP regularly advises on technology-related corporate and commercial transactions and venture exits, with particular expertise in gaming, AI, fintech and blockchain matters. An experienced trio comprising Ryan BlackMichael Reid and Morgan McDonald co-leads the group from Vancouver, while Sangeetha Punniyamoorthy heads up the Toronto office. Partner Shea Coulson joined the group from McMillan LLP in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Ryan Black; Michael Reid; Morgan McDonald; Sangeetha Punniyamoorthy


Testimonials

‘Ryan Black is a well-regarded lawyer and is very service-oriented.’

‘DLA Piper has a strong technology practice group. They bring a strong knowledge of technical legal concepts and are quality advocates for their clients.’

‘Morgan McDonald is an excellent lawyer in the areas of emerging technology, venture capital and technology M&A. She is very responsive and has a strong technical ability.’

‘The technology practice is one of the best in Canada! They have expertise with various partners and associates on all legal matters with acquisitions, mergers, new start-ups and various other matters.’

‘The individuals are knowledgable and highly responsive. Ryan Black is highly experienced and provides practical advice with a quick turn around.’

‘Mike Reid is very bright, well-informed and personable.’

Key clients

Autopro Automation Consultants


Beanfield Technologies


BlueRush


British Columbia Automobile Association


CDW Canada


Charli.AI


CurrencyWorks


Difference Capital ‎Financial


Draganfly


EchoStar


Epic Games / Psyonix


eWebinar Labs


FansUnite


FTS Forest Technology Systems


Globalme Localization


Kabam Games


Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment


Match Group


Microsoft


Redcell Games


Relic Entertainment / SEGA Europe


Rocket Lab ‎


Seequent Limited


Tantalus Labs


Wenco International Mining Systems


Videotron


Rumble


Wargaming


Work highlights


  • Assisted Eldridge Industries in its lead investment with participation from Maverix Private Equity of C$250m into Viral Nation, a Toronto-based digital and social media marketing agency.
  • Assisted the video-sharing platform Rumble with its business combination with CF Acquisition Corp. VI.

Stikeman Elliott LLP

The team at Stikeman Elliott LLP specializes in advising domestic tech companies on M&A transactions and assisting international clients investing with their entries into the Canadian market. Toronto-based Wesley Ng steers the practice and majors on e-commerce transactions, advising on blockchain-based products and privacy-related matters. Shawn Smith is active on complex business process outsourcings, service arrangements and domestic and cross-border acquisitions and divestitures involving technology companies.

Practice head(s):

Wesley Ng


Other key lawyers:

Shawn Smith


Key clients

Province of Manitoba


Nutrien


GFL Environmental


Cogeco Connexion


Sony Pictures


Aquilini Equities


U.S. Data Mining Group


Smith Financial