James E. Longwell Partner Patent Agent, Trademark Agent


Speaks:  English

Year of Call: 1994 - Ontario

Primary phone: +1 416-862-4325

Fax: +1 416-862-7661

Email: james.longwell@gowlingwlg.com

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Primary office:  Toronto




James E. Longwell

James Longwell is a partner and a past leader of the firm's Patents Group.

Jim practises in all areas of IP law, particularly as it applies to computer and information technologies. He advises startup companies, small businesses, universities and large corporations on IP strategy, including acquisition, protection, exploitation and enforcement issues. He is chiefly involved in Canadian and foreign patent, trademark and industrial design procurement, primarily preparing and prosecuting patent applications relating to computer software, hardware, telecommunications, medical devices, housewares and business methods. Jim's practice includes work with numerous emerging technologies, including in the areas of financial and travel technologies, blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI).

In addition to IP law, Jim provides strategic analysis and advice to business owners and investors for various transactions, including financing, joint venture, technology procurement, development and commercialization transactions.

Jim's past activities include:

  • Preparing and prosecuting patent applications for computer-related inventions including wireless devices, wireless network infrastructure, enterprise computing, web development and middleware applications for leading software and hardware companies.
  • Providing strategic advice in respect of secured financing transactions involving intellectual property assets for a large telecommunications equipment developer and manufacturer.
  • Conducting freedom-to-operate analyses, examining competitive patent portfolios in advance of a national service offering by a telecommunications service provider.
  • Preparing and advising on information technology commercial agreements, including technology and web development, data collection, management and protection, maintenance and support, and various licensing agreements.

Career & Recognition

Filter timeline:

Memberships

  • American Bar Association (ABA)
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
  • Canadian Bar Association (CBA)
  • Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
  • Licensing Executives Society (LES)

Jim is a frequent speaker and writer on IP-related issues. Selected publications and engagements include:

  • Panellist, "Everything You Wanted to Know About Software and Business Method Patents but Were Afraid to Ask," Gowlings, Apr 2012.
  • Lecturer, "Intellectual Property in Interactive Gaming", Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University, Feb. 2012.
  • Speaker, "Techniques for Transferring and Licensing IP Rights", Commercializing Cleantech, The Canadian Institute, Jan. 2012.
  • Lecturer, "Introduction to Intellectual Property", The Conrad Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology Centre, University of Waterloo, Jan. 2012
  • Speaker, "Top 10 Differences in Canadian and U.S. IP Law", ABA Annual Meeting - Business Law Section (IP), Aug. 2011.
  • Speaker, "Developments in International Patent Law", 4th Patents as Competitive Strategy, June 2011.
  • Speaker, "Anatomy of a License Agreement", ACCT Technology Transfer I Course, Apr 2011.
  • Co-Author, "International Comparative Legal Guide to: Patents 2011 Canadian chapter ", Dec. 2010.
  • Co-Presenter, "Canadian Patent Rules Amendments", Gowlings Webinar, Oct. 2010.
  • Speaker, "IP & China", Telfer School of Management, April 2010.
  • Speaker, "Patent Strategies", Level I and II Legal Boot Camp, Accelerator Centre Waterloo, March 2010.
  • Co-Speaker, "Business Method Patents", TIP, UofT Law School, March 2010.
  • Speaker, "Patents in High Tech Businesses", Accelerator Centre Waterloo, Nov. 2009.
  • Speaker, "Doing Business In China - IP", Ontario Ministry of International Trade and Investment Videoconference, March 2009.
  • Speaker, "Understand China's Changing IPR Landscape", Federated Press, Toronto, May 2008.
  • Speaker, "Protecting IP in China", Hamilton et al. Chambers of Commerce, Nov. 2007.
  • Speaker, "Intellectual Property Aspects of Entrepreneurship", CUSLI Case Western, April 2007.
  • Speaker, "Exporting your Medical Technology to China", Industry Canada Seminar, Nov. 2006.
  • Speaker, "NAFTA Update on Industrial Design Protection: Canada" AIPLA Spring Mtg., May 2006.
  • Speaker, "Essential Issues in Grant and Scope of License", Osgoode Con. Ed., May 2006.
  • Guest Lecturer, "Patent and Trade Secrets Law", University of Toronto, Jan., 2005 and 2004.
  • "Court Applies American Patent Law to Canadian Business", The Lawyers Weekly, Feb. 2005.
  • Speaker, "PCT and Foreign Filing Issues as They Relate to Software/Computer-Related Patent Applications", AIPLA Road Shows, June 2004.
  • Speaker, "Software and Business Method Patents: What Canadian Businesses Should Be Doing to Protect Themselves in a Changing Legal Environment", NETLAW 2004.
  • Speaker, "Patenting Computer-related Inventions in Canada", IPIC, AGM, 2003.
  • Regular contributor to Lawsof.com, a bi-weekly summary of e-business/tech law issues.
  • "Cross-border patent disputes underscore importance of IP issues", The Lawyers Weekly, Aug. 2003.

Representative Work

  • Preparing and prosecuting patent applications for computer-related inventions including wireless devices, wireless network infrastructure, enterprise computing, web development and middleware applications for leading software and hardware companies.
  • Providing strategic advice in respect of secured financing transactions involving intellectual property assets for a large telecommunications equipment developer and manufacturer.
  • Conducting freedom-to-operate analyses examining competitive patent portfolios in advance of a national service offering by a telecommunications service provider.
  • Preparing and advising on information technology commercial agreements including technology and web development, data collection, management and protection, maintenance and support, and various licensing agreements.