Intellectual Property
Practice Area Lead: Erin McEwen
Our Intellectual Property group helps clients protect, manage, and enforce their ideas, brands, and creative works in Canada and internationally. We work with entrepreneurs, artists, businesses of all sizes, public institutions, and Indigenous communities to develop practical IP strategies that align with their goals.
Drawing on both legal and industry experience, we help clients identify and secure their IP assets and make informed decisions about their portfolios. Our team works across a wide range of sectors and collaborates with a network of Canadian and international partners to support IP matters that extend beyond local jurisdictions.
How we support
IP Strategy & Portfolio Management
Identification of protectable IP across products, services, and technologies
Development of trademark, copyright, trade secret, and domain name strategies
Planning and management of national and international IP portfolios
Trademark Protection
Clearance and registrability assessments
Filing and prosecution of trademark applications in Canada and internationally
Opposition, cancellation, and enforcement proceedings
Support for certification marks and geographic indications
Licensing and brand portfolio management
Copyright
Registration, ownership, and rights management
Licensing for creators and businesses
Support for music, digital media, publishing, and software
Legal Opinions & IP Due Diligence
Opinions on acquisition, ownership, and infringement
IP audits and risk assessments for transactions, investments, and commercial arrangements
Assistance with international portfolio reviews and due diligence
IP Commercialization & Agreements
Licensing, assignment, and franchising agreements
Non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements
Structuring IP ownership between founders, collaborators, and institutions
Technology transfer and commercialization strategies
Trade Secrets & Confidential Information
NDAs and confidentiality agreements
Internal policies and protection frameworks
Support for misappropriation and breach of confidence matters
Customs & Border Measures
CBSA recordation and enforcement
Anti counterfeiting strategies
Coordination with international partners on cross-border enforcement
Cannabis Industry IP
Brand strategy and regulatory compliance
Protection for strains, products, devices, and accessories
Trademark and copyright enforcement
Indigenous IP & Cultural Knowledge
Culturally informed IP guidance
Protection of art, language, design, and traditional knowledge
Work with Indigenous governments and organizations
Entertainment & Creative Industries
Rights clearance, licensing, and royalty frameworks
Contract support for creators, producers, and distributors
IP advice for gaming, film, music, and digital media
Public Authorities & Research Institutions
Development of IP policies and ownership structures
Technology transfer and commercialization agreements
Copyright and trademark strategies for public assets
IP Disputes & Enforcement
Enforcement of trademark and copyright rights
Passing off, domain name disputes, and anti-counterfeiting actions
Support through litigation and alternative dispute resolution
