Charlotte McDonald

Charlotte McDonald serves as a prominent partner and trademark agent at Gowling WLG's Toronto office, where her expertise in intellectual property law shines brightly. Specializing in the nuanced fields of intellectual property litigation and trademark prosecution, Charlotte's legal acumen covers a broad spectrum of IP disputes.

Her courtroom experience is particularly noteworthy, with a strong presence in the Federal Court where she has represented clients across various domains including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Charlotte's proficiency in navigating through complex legal terrains is evident from her involvement in numerous Federal Court trials, judicial reviews, and her adept handling of trademark oppositions and expungement proceedings before the Trademark Opposition Board. Her skills extend to the realm of alternative dispute resolution, where she has a track record of resolving disputes amicably before they escalate to trial, showcasing her commitment to efficient and effective legal solutions.

Beyond her litigation prowess, Charlotte offers strategic counsel on both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. Her advisory role encompasses a wide range of services, from enforcing IP rights to guiding clients through the intricacies of IP licensing and assignments. She also provides valuable insights into trademark registrability and usage, further underlining her comprehensive grasp of intellectual property law.

Charlotte's management skills are equally impressive, as she adeptly oversees small to mid-sized trademark portfolios across a diverse array of sectors, including technology, education, cosmetics, and food and beverage, to name a few. Her international experience in trademark portfolio management further enhances her ability to provide global intellectual property strategies.

An active contributor to Gowling WLG's community, Charlotte engages with several of the firm’s practice groups, including the IP Litigation and Trademark Practice Groups, in addition to participating in the firm’s pro bono initiatives. Her commitment to the legal profession extends beyond her practice, as evidenced by her memberships in various legal associations, including the National Association of Women Lawyers and the Indigenous Rights Committee of INTA, among others.

Charlotte's professional excellence has not gone unnoticed, earning her the Legal 500 Next Generation Partner accolade in both 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Gowling WLG Neil Abbott Mentorship Award, reflecting her leadership and mentorship qualities within the legal community.

Her journey in law began after earning a Bachelor of Science in Honours Biopharmaceuticals from the University of Ottawa, with a focus on Genomics, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto. Since her admission to the Ontario Bar in 2012, Charlotte has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the field of intellectual property law, making her a distinguished figure within the legal landscape.