Overview

### Bio
James Buchan is a Toronto-based partner at Gowling WLG and has practised in the Intellectual Property Group for over 30 years.
As a trial and appellate advocate, James' expertise in the IP field is extensive, covering a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright litigation, as well as strategic advisory work. He regularly advises innovative and technology-driven businesses, including those in the space and nuclear sectors, on the protection, commercialization and enforcement of IP rights.
He has appeared as counsel of record in many IP matters before the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. James has also been counsel in hundreds of quasi-judicial trademark opposition and expungement proceedings before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).
While practising at Gowling WLG, James has held a variety of leadership and management roles, including Firm Managing Partner – External, member of the international board of Gowling WLG (International) Inc., member of the Canadian board of trustees of Gowling WLG and national practice group leader for IP Litigation and Trademarks. James currently serves on the firm’s China Management Team as well as the Canadian country desk leader for Australia and New Zealand.
Year after year, James is recognized by leading legal publications for his in-depth knowledge and dedication to client service excellence, including *The Best Lawyers in Canada*, *World Trademark Review* and the *Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.* James’ community involvement includes past leadership of the firm’s national pro bono program, as well as serving as a trustee and administrator of the Legal Leaders for Diversity Trust Fund, a scholarship-granting trust for law students living with physical disabilities and mental health challenges.
James remains active in numerous national and international legal committees and industry groups, including the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC), the International Trademark Association (INTA), Marques, the Law Leaders Forum, the American Federal Circuit Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
### Career & education
#### Career highlights
2016
Gowling WLG - Firm Managing Partner (External)
2013
Gowlings Board of Trustees
2008
Gowlings Practice Group Leader - Intellectual Property Litigation
2006
Gowlings Practice Group Leader - Trademarks
2006
Gowlings Toronto Department Head - Intellectual Property
2000
Gowlings - Partner
1994
Gowlings - Associate
#### Education
1992
University of British Columbia, LLB
1988
Trinity College at the University of Toronto, BSc. (Specialist) in Microbiology
#### Languages
English
French
##### Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
- Subcommittee Chair – Law Firm Management Committee – International Trademark Assocation (INTA)
- Steering Committee – Law Leaders Forum
- Legal Leaders for Diversity Trust Fund
#### Community involvement
Pro Bono Law Ontario - Aboriginal Legal Services
2005
### Publications & speaking engagements
### Publications
- Co-author of *"*Managing an Intellectual Property Portfolio" – chapter 19 of American Bar Association's *Intellectual Property Deskbook for the Business Lawyer, 4th Edition *

Practice Areas

• Estates & Trusts
• Intellectual Property

Bar Information

Called to the bar: 1994 (ON)

Professional Details