James H. Buchan

James is a partner at Gowling WLG, and has practiced 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, copyright litigation, and strategic advisory work. 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 practicing at Gowling WLG, James has also served in various firm leadership and management roles, including as Firm Managing Partner – External and as member of the international board of Gowling WLG (International) Inc. James has also served as a member of the Canadian board of trustees of Gowling WLG, as well as in various other leadership roles in the Firm including national practice group leader for intellectual property litigation and trademarks. James is currently acting as the Canadian country desk leader for Australia and New Zealand.

Year after year, James is recognized by various legal publications for his in-depth knowledge and dedication to client service excellence. These publications include 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, and as a trustee and administrator of the Legal Leaders for Diversity Trust Fund, and 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.