Simon Hitchens

Simon Hitchens is renowned for his expertise in trademark and copyright law, dedicating his career to safeguarding brands. His daily work encompasses guiding clients through trademark applications, managing their portfolios, crafting strategies for brand protection, and navigating the complexities of opposition and expungement cases. Furthermore, Simon is skilled in the enforcement of intellectual property rights, which includes litigation, licensing, and due diligence during the sale or acquisition of IP assets.

He is a familiar figure before the Trademarks Opposition Board, where his broad experience in trademark disputes and intellectual property litigation shines. Simon's legal battles have traversed various levels of the Canadian court system, including appearances before the Federal Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Appeal.

Simon’s portfolio management expertise covers a wide array of industries, from financial services and commercial real estate to more specialized sectors like chemicals, healthcare, automotive, fashion, and food services. He adeptly handles trademark portfolios on both a national scale within Canada and on an international level, navigating the legal landscape across different regions. His proficiency extends to addressing brand protection challenges in the digital age, particularly concerning social media and online branding issues, alongside representing clients in domain name disputes to safeguard their trademark rights.

Prior to his tenure at Fasken, Simon honed his skills at another leading Canadian law firm for nine years and kick-started his career in the intellectual property department of a globally renowned firm in London, England.

Simon's academic foundation in intellectual property is solid, with a Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice from the University of Bristol, where he also earned his LLB. He is an active member of several professional associations, including the Ontario Bar Association, the Canadian Bar Association—where he contributes to the Trademarks Committee—the Law Society of England and Wales, and the International Trademark Association (INTA).

His work spans multiple markets, notably the Americas and Asia Pacific, with a particular focus on Canada and China. Simon's commitment to intellectual property law and his diverse client base underscore his position as a leading practitioner in the field.