James H. Buchan

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.