Benefitting from one of the deepest IP benches in the market, Gowling WLG brings the ‘highest quality of attorneys and work product’. The group’s extensive national and international platform — it leverages seven offices across Canada as well as sizeable teams in the UK, France and China — ensures that it is a popular choice to represent major domestic and multinational companies, including global leaders in the life sciences, TMT, food and beverage and energy and natural resources sectors. National IP head Shelagh Carnegie (Toronto) is recognized for her formidable trademark prosecution practice, where she acts for Starbucks and Weetabix, among others. Further key trademark specialists include Nelson Godfrey (Vancouver), who leads the national trademark group; Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel (Toronto), who handles global trademark portfolio management, prosecution and IP enforcement; and Ottawa-based trademark partners Martha Savoy and Paula Clancy. On the patent side, notable names include Will Boyer (Ottawa), who fronts the IP litigation and strategy group, and John Harris (Ottawa), who advises on drafting and prosecuting patents and industrial designs. A formidable band of IP litigators features go-to expert Christopher Van Barr (Ottawa), as well as Michael Crichton (Ottawa), Laurent Massam (Toronto) and Jay Zakaïb (Ottawa). The Toronto group also draws on up-and-coming litigator Charlotte McDonald and trademark-focused associate Jasleen Chahal.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The client service and responsiveness from the Gowlings IP team is unmatched. We also appreciate their expertise on the full spectrum of Canadian IP issues (patents, trademark prosecution and enforcement, domain names etc.).’
‘Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel - impressive expertise in trademark issues, communication is excellent, very responsive; James Green - experienced IP litigator that supports on various trademark and domain name enforcement issues. Very practical, business-friendly approach. Excellent work product.’
‘Paula Clancy is an excellent attorney with a brilliant team. They always answer quickly and precisely in a cheerful manner. As a foreign IP attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend this team for Canadian IP, particularly trademark matters. Paula's attention to detail and responsiveness makes her stand out.’
‘Gowling WLG has worked through several trademark-related issues for us over the last few years. Exceptional collaboration, knowledge and the ability to link decisions with strategy and costs. Jayde Wood is awesome, responsive, knowledgeable and always available. She delivers exceptional advice.’
‘It provides us with advice on a pro bono basis and we feel we get the same level of attention and priority of paying clients. There is a very high level of professionalism. Charlotte McDonald is responsive, excellent at explaining complexities and supports us in locating local council in other countries. ’
‘Gowling WLG is highly capable and very knowledgeable regarding intellectual property practice in Canada. Moreover, it is completely reliable — one can truly depend on it. Its docketing system is well-organized, and it provides excellent support, both in substantive IP matters and in related administrative aspects.’
‘We must highlight partner Paula Clancy, who possesses vast knowledge and extensive experience in IP matters. She has always been approachable and responsive, consistently providing efficient solutions to the requests made to her. She is an outstanding professional in whom one can place complete trust.’
‘Excellent value. Highest quality of attorneys and work product. Kelly Gill and Shelagh Carnegie. Both are trusted colleagues who are experts in trademark law and understand their clients' business priorities. They are a rare find.’
Key clients
- <p>1196278 Ontario (Sassafraz)</p>
- <p>adidas</p>
- <p>Ansys</p>
- <p>American Standard</p>
- <p>Australian Mud Company</p>
- <p>Bayer</p>
- <p>BC Hydro</p>
- <p>Bean Box</p>
- <p>Biogen Idec Canada</p>
- <p>Boehringer Ingelheim</p>
- <p>CAE</p>
- <p>Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce</p>
- <p>Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders</p>
- <p>Cenovus Energy</p>
- <p>Chanel Canada</p>
- <p>CNH Industrial America</p>
- <p>Crocs</p>
- <p>CSL Behring</p>
- <p>Dassault Systèmes Solidworks</p>
- <p>Drs. Homuth, Solmi and Bleau</p>
Work highlights
Represented Coors Brewing Company in a series of trademark expungement proceedings brought against Coors’ 'CHAMPAGNE OF BEERS' trademarks.
Defended Jempak in a patent infringement claim brought by GEMAK Trust in relation to dishwashing pods.
Retained by Regeneron and Bayer to act as co-trial counsel in a set of patent litigation cases concerning the drug, EYLEA.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Shelagh Carnegie; Will Boyer; Nelson Godfrey
Other key lawyers
Natalie Rizkalla-Kamel; Martha Savoy; Paula Clancy; John Harris; Christopher Van Barr; Michael Crichton; Laurent Massam; Jay Zakaïb; Charlotte McDonald; Jasleen Chahal; James Green; Jayde Wood; Kelly Gill; Eric Macramalla; John Norman; Marc Richard; Erin Creber; Alex Gloor; Frédéric Lussier; Adam Heckman; Nathan Piché