Alex is currently a Partner at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
He is experienced in patent prosecution, particularly software and artificial intelligence; designs; and intellectual property and technology transactions.
Working with companies at early stage is something that Alex finds particularly satisfying.
“I very much enjoy helping start-up companies get the patents that they need to protect their technology and support their growth."
Education & training
- 2004: Registered Canadian Patent Agent
- J. Edward Maybee Memorial Prize - Highest standing in Canada in 2004 Patent Agents’ Qualifying Examination (awarded in 2005)
- 2003: Barrister & Solicitor (Lawyer)
- Law Society Second Prize - Third highest grades in Ontario in Bar Admission Course
- 2002: Bachelor of Laws, York University - Osgoode Hall Law School
- Silver Medal - Second highest in overall standing
- 1999: Bachelor of Applied Science, Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto
- W.S. Wilson Medal - Ranked first in graduating class
Professional background
- 2008-date: Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
- 2005-2007: IBM Canada Ltd
- 2004-2005: Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
- 2003-2004: Bereskin & Parr
Adding value to clients
Tackling thorny challenges is of great interest to Alex.
“I have been successful in helping several clients overcome statutory subject matter issues and obtain patent protection for a range of technologies that are at the outer limits of what is considered patentable subject matter in Canada.”
Alex also has a particular interest in the application of copyright and trademark law to a number of specific fields, including computer software and comic books, and he has taught a number of seminars at Fan Expo Canada, Canada's largest comic book convention, including ‘Comic Book Law: What Creators Need to Know’.
Describing the value that he and Gowling bring to clients, Alex explains:
“I help clients develop sophisticated international patent filing and prosecution strategies to support their business objectives. More broadly, as part of a full-service international law firm, I provide support for my clients’ other legal needs in addition to helping them obtain patent protection.”
Best practice to share with FICPI members
A best practice that Alex shares with fellow members of the FICPI global community focuses on use of artificial intelligence.
“Our firm actively engages with the latest technology in support of legal practice, and has developed a specific policy for engaging with artificial intelligence that allows us to leverage the benefits for our clients while ensuring protection of our clients’ confidential information and compliance with our ethical obligations.”
The future for independent IP attorneys
This emphasis on engaging with AI feeds through into thinking about how the role of the IP attorney and the IP practice will change in the future.
“I expect that inventors and companies will begin to leverage artificial intelligence to attempt to draft their own patent applications based on a perception of cost savings.
“We will need to adapt our own practices to engage early and help them to understand the risks of this approach, and the benefits of working with a qualified patent practitioner. It is likely that we as independent IP attorneys will need to integrate artificial intelligence tools into our own practice to reduce costs and increase the value proposition for our clients.
“The key will be in using artificial intelligence as a tool, so that we can reduce costs while allowing our clients to retain the benefit of our expertise and experience.”
Value of FICPI membership
Alex joined FICPI in December 2014.
He finds the genuine friendships particularly valuable:
“FICPI is a close-knit community with excellent camaraderie, and I very much enjoy connecting with my colleagues in person at FICPI meetings.”
He also finds the committee work through Study & Work Groups worthwhile and is an active member of FICPI’s CET 2 Study & Work Group on Designs. CET 2 seeks to ensure FICPI discusses trending topics on Industrial Designs in different parts of the world, at national or international level.
Final word – outside of work
Alex enjoys reading, exercise, and taking his dog for long walks outside of work.
You may not know about his other hobby though – Alex is an active bodybuilder who has won regional competitions in the Ontario Physique Association and Canadian Physique Alliance, and has competed at the national level in Canada.
