Rene Bissonnette

René Bissonnette, a luminary at Gowling WLG's Toronto office, seamlessly blends advertising, marketing, and entertainment law, marking him as a standout figure in these dynamic sectors. His recognition in Chambers Canada 2024 attests to his exceptional command in the field of Advertising & Marketing, where he delivers pragmatic counsel and efficient risk management strategies.

René's practice encompasses a broad spectrum of services, from orchestrating promotional campaigns to crafting and negotiating various agreements, including those for spokespersons, sponsorships, and talent. He adeptly navigates the intricacies of dealing with talent unions like ACTRA and tackles Ad Standards complaints with finesse. His skill set extends to influencer marketing, native advertising content creation, and the production and commercialization of film, music, and other artistic works.

Furthermore, René offers expert guidance on compliance with CASL and privacy laws, scrutinizes consumer goods packaging and labeling, and designs website terms of use alongside social media policies. His proficiency in structuring online consumer transactions and rewards programs further demonstrates his versatile expertise.

Fluency in both English and French enhances René's effectiveness in serving a diverse client base. His contributions to the Ad Standards Council, his role as co-editor of the Food, NHP & Cosmetic newsletter, and his lecturing engagements at prestigious institutions like Osgoode Hall Law School, Ryerson's Digital Media Zone, and Schulich's School of Business underscore his commitment to the legal community and beyond.

René's areas of practice span Food & Beverage, Advertising & Product Regulatory, Entertainment & Sports Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Brand Protection. His career is decorated with accolades, including the Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer 2023 and consecutive rankings in Chambers Canada from 2022 to 2024, reflecting his sustained excellence in the field.

Since his call to the Ontario bar in 2011, following a distinguished academic journey through the University of Toronto and McGill University, René has solidified his reputation as a leader in his practice areas. His ability to merge legal insight with strategic advice makes him an invaluable asset to clients navigating the complex landscapes of advertising, marketing, and entertainment.