Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

340 Albert Street, Suite 1900, Ottawa ON K1R 7Y6, Canada

Firm's Overview

As a leading business law firm, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP has a range of clients that include industry and business leaders in all sections of the market and at various stages of development. Osler has built its reputation on its commitment to clients’ success and the experience, expertise and collaborative approach for which it is recognised. With more than 500 legal professionals in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Vancouver and New York, Osler delivers the power of a ‘one-firm’ approach by providing clients with integrated legal services in every area of business law.

The Osler team advises on all areas of intellectual property and has received Canadian and worldwide recognition for expertise in IP matters, including by Chambers, Lexpert, Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars, the IAM Patent 1000, the WTR 1000 and the Legal 500.

Our top-rated IP team includes Canadian lawyers, Canadian and US patent agents, scientific experts, trademark agents, clerks and an in-house searcher and is renowned for its diverse strengths including excellence in IP litigation, expertise and innovation in patent and trademark prosecution, portfolio advising and management and unmatched experience in helping realise the value of IP portfolios in business transactions. Osler has acted as counsel in complex litigation in every field of intellectual property and at every level of court in Canada and, as an integral business partner, has coordinated and managed prosecution and litigation strategies throughout multiple jurisdictions, aligning with and advancing clients’ business objectives.

Osler’s trademark is client service

An unwavering commitment to exceptional client service is reflected in the way that the Osler IP team provides strategic creative advice and applies legal expertise to ensure that clients succeed. Clients, large and small, come to Osler for the depth of its legal knowledge and scientific and technical expertise and regularly recommend the firm to colleagues and other professionals. Osler offers:

  • excellent client service – unmatched responsiveness, accessibility and service;
  • effective project management – meticulous and efficient management of matters with cost predictability;
  • corporate work experience – a core group of the IP team spent a number of years working in the corporate environment, which enhances their ability to provide practical, efficient advice and service; and
  • leading technology – longstanding and continuing investment in IP technology allows the team to respond accurately and rapidly to clients on all questions relating to ongoing or historical matters.

Breadth and depth of expertise

Osler’s IP practice offers a full-service one-stop shop, including a wealth of experience in clearing, registering, maintaining and enforcing trademark rights; managing domestic and international portfolios for leading Canadian and global corporations in the entertainment, electronics, consumer products, technology, sports, food service, pharmaceutical and health sectors; and successfully representing clients’ interests before the courts and IP administrative tribunals. Team members have represented numerous celebrities, entertainers and fashion designers in connection with trademark clearance, protection, enforcement, licensing and counterfeiting issues. Osler also services an extensive network of foreign law and agency firms, assisting those firms in protecting the Canadian rights of their clients.

For many consecutive years, Osler has been among the top filers of trademark applications with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) with over 2,000 trademark applications filed in the last two years. Whether it is the choice of name for a new fragrance for a pop singer, the launch of a new clothing line by a renowned designer or the seizure of a quantity of counterfeit merchandise bearing the name of an international hip-hop star or musical group, Osler has relevant experience and an unrivalled depth of expertise.

Osler is ahead of the curve on the implementation of the new filing regime in Canada, having provided advice to the CIPO in the implementation of changes and having piloted projects, among other firms, to review and improve CIPO processes.

Unlocking the value of your IP portfolio

When it comes to unlocking the value of your IP portfolio, Osler understands that it is not just about protecting your IP rights – it is about getting the greatest return on your investment. Osler’s integrated IP team offers technical expertise, deep legal experience and business-savvy counsel and applies a holistic and pragmatic approach to IP strategy that keeps your business goals at the forefront.