Jeffrey Coles

In the bustling Calgary office of Gowling WLG, Jeff Coles leads the Intellectual Property Group as a distinguished partner. With dual credentials as a registered patent agent in both Canada and the United States, Jeff's legal prowess is enhanced by his advanced degree in medical sciences. Over the years, Jeff has dedicated himself to guiding clients through the intricacies of securing patent protection for their groundbreaking innovations.

Jeff's expertise shines in the realm of intellectual property, particularly within sectors that are at the forefront of innovation such as life sciences, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices, as well as biotechnology. He also extends his services to the fields of agrotechnology, cleantech, and the ever-evolving industries of oil and gas, environmental technologies, and energy.

His approach to patent drafting and prosecution is deeply rooted in providing strategic, business-oriented advice. This encompasses the management and mitigation of intellectual property risks, especially in the stages of commercialization and IP-related transactions. Jeff's knack for aligning intellectual property strategies with regulatory and commercial goals has proven invaluable for a diverse clientele. From ambitious entrepreneurs and emerging startups to universities, governmental bodies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and multinational corporations, Jeff's expertise knows no bounds.

Before his tenure at Gowling WLG, Jeff's journey in the intellectual property domain was shaped by his time at a Canadian firm focused solely on IP and technology law. His academic endeavors led him to significant research contributions during his post-graduate studies at the University of Alberta and his role at the Canadian Department of National Defence's Chemical Biological Defence Section. His research findings have earned spots in prestigious publications such as the Journal of Biochemistry, Viral Immunology, and Neoplasia.

Acknowledged as a 'Rising Star' in Life Sciences by LMG Rising Stars since 2015, Jeff's contributions to the field are well-recognized. His areas of practice cover a broad spectrum, including life sciences, technology, mining, oil and gas, intellectual property law, patents, and cleantech, making Jeff Coles a formidable figure in the legal landscape of Calgary and beyond.