Laurent Massam

Laurent Massam, a partner at Gowling WLG in Toronto, has carved out a significant niche in the legal landscape, particularly in the realm of Intellectual Property Litigation and Strategy. His role as the former Canadian leader of this group underscores his expertise and leadership in the field. With a career spanning over 15 years, Laurent has become a key litigator and strategic advisor, handling a plethora of intellectual property disputes and complex commercial litigation.

His courtroom presence is notable, having represented clients in a variety of disputes that cover the spectrum of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, across diverse sectors like manufacturing, software, and broadcasting. Laurent's proficiency extends to arguing cases in front of prestigious courts such as the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal, and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, showcasing his versatility and command over legal proceedings.

The legal community has repeatedly recognized Laurent's strategic acumen and litigation skills. His accolades include being named a "Rising Star – Leading Lawyer under 40" by Lexpert, a "Litigation Lawyer to Watch," and receiving the 2019 Lexpert Zenith award as a "Change Agent in Law." His expertise in copyright law was also highlighted when he was named a "Copyright Star" by Managing IP's IP Stars.

Apart from his litigation pursuits, Laurent is deeply committed to strategic advising, guiding both domestic and international clients through complex mediations and negotiations. His contributions extend beyond the courtroom, as he leads Gowling WLG's Pro Bono Program and plays a vital role in the Toronto Anti-Racism Action Committee. His editorial work for Gowling WLG's IP Report and the GoXL media platform further exemplifies his commitment to knowledge sharing and intellectual discourse in the legal field.

Laurent's educational background is as impressive as his legal career. He holds degrees in both common and civil law from McGill University, complemented by a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, also from McGill, where he graduated with Great Distinction. His academic journey continued at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Master of Applied Science in Civil and Structural Engineering. This unique combination of legal and engineering expertise positions Laurent uniquely within the intellectual property law domain.

Throughout his career, Laurent has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to the legal field, including listings in the World Trademark Review 1000, The Legal 500 Canada Hall of Fame, Chambers Canada, and the IAM Patent 1000, among others. His dedication to his practice, the legal community, and society at large is evident through his extensive involvement in pro bono work and community service, marking him as a distinguished and versatile legal professional.