Gowling WLG affirmed its ongoing reputation as a leading IP disputes firm, earning top recognition across two categories at the 2026 Managing IP Americas Awards.

  • The firm was named “Firm of the Year – Trademark Disputes (Canada),” highlighting its leadership in protecting and defending some of the world's most valuable brands in complex, high-stakes IP disputes.
  • Christopher Van Barr, a partner in Gowling WLG's IP Litigation Group, was awarded “Practitioner of the Year (Patent Disputes) Canada” for his standout advocacy, strategic insight, and significant contributions to Canada's patent litigation landscape.

Nelson Godfrey and Christopher Van Barr Gowling WLG at the MIP Americas Awards 2026Together, these accolades reinforce Gowling WLG's position at the forefront of contentious IP. Building on its long history of innovation, the firm has a deep bench of trial-tested litigators and a proven track record in precedent-setting disputes, making it a trusted choice for clients seeking to protect and enforce their most valuable IP rights when it matters most.

The firm was also shortlisted across five national categories: Copyright, Patent Prosecution, Patent Disputes, Trademark Prosecution, and IP Transactions.

Managing IP's Americas Awards celebrate the world's leading firms, individuals, and landmark matters across key jurisdictions and practice areas. Gowling WLG congratulates all this year's finalists and winners. For a complete list of winners, click here.

About our IP Group

Gowling WLG is a full-service firm comprising more than 1,500 professionals across business law and litigation. With leading IP practices worldwide and a global network of trusted agents, we help IP owners overcome complex challenges and seize new opportunities—wherever business takes them. Learn more about our IP Group.