Lawyer Profile
Marc Richard
Ottawa, Ontario

Overview
### Bio
Marc Richard is an intellectual property lawyer in Gowling WLG's Ottawa office and leader of the firm's Life Sciences Group in Canada. Pairing scientific understanding with sector insight, Marc delivers solutions across the full spectrum of IP rights – including patents, trademarks, copyright, domain names and trade secrets.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotech companies and other life science sector participants routinely seek Marc's guidance when protecting, commercializing and enforcing their key IP assets. Drawing from a broad background in biochemistry, molecular biology and virology, he works closely with them to develop tailored strategies that advance their objectives. His work in this regard encompasses IP protection, regulatory advice, licensing, transactions, FTO opinions, Patent Register listings and more.
Marc has particular strength in patent litigation, with significant experience helping clients navigate high-stakes patent infringement disputes – including representing numerous pharmaceutical innovators in patent infringement actions and proceedings under the *Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations*. Over the course of his 20-year career, he has represented clients before all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and appears regularly before the Ontario Provincial and Canadian Federal courts. Marc has also led trial teams in defending claims for damages against pharmaceutical manufacturers, as well as representing clients in administrative law matters.
In addition to life sciences, Marc's work and experience span a wide range of industry sectors. These include oil and gas, electronics, food products, agriculture, mining, consumer goods and manufacturing.
Outside of his practice, Marc is committed to giving back to both the legal community and his local community. He has previously lectured on patent law and litigation practice as a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Common Law. He has also acted as a volunteer duty counsel for Pro Bono Law Ontario and currently volunteers and coaches with multiple youth sports organizations.
Marc serves clients in both English and French.
### Career & education
#### Education
2003
University of Ottawa, LLB
1999
Queen's University, BSc Hons.
#### Languages
English
French
##### Memberships
- Canadian Bar Association
- County of Carleton Law Association
- Intellectual Property Institute of Canada
- Law Society of Ontario
Practice Areas
Bar Information
Called to the bar: 2004 (ON)
Professional Details
Awards & Recognition
LMG Life Sciences Awards 2014 (2014)
Managing IP's IP Stars Handbook 2014 (2014)
Managing Intellectual Property 2015 (2015)
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2016 (2015)
Best Lawyers in Canada 2021 (2020)
Best Lawyers in Canada 2022 (2021)
Best Lawyers in Canada 2023 (2022)
Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 (2023)
Best Lawyers in Canada 2025 (2024)
Best Lawyers in Canada 2026 (2025)
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2017 (2017)
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2020 (2020)
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2021 (2021)
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2022 (2022)
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2023 (2023)
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2025 (2025)
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2026 (2026)
IAM Patent 1000 2024 (2024)
IAM Patent 1000 2025 (2025)
Legal 500 Canada 2019 (2018)
Lexpert Special Edition: Health Sciences 2021 (2021)
Lexpert Special Edition: Health Sciences 2025 (2025)
Lexpert Special Edition: Technology 2025 (2025)
Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health Sciences 2023 (2023)
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2016 (2016)
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2018 (2018)
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2019 (2019)
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2021 (2021)
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2022 (2022)
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2023 (2023)
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2024 (2024)
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2017 (2016)
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2018 (2017)
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2019 (2018)
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2020 (2019)
Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2025 (2025)