François Guay

François Guay


Smart & Biggar

Recognized since 2006

Montréal, Quebec

Practice Areas

Intellectual Property Law

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Intellectual Property Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Intellectual Property Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2011 - Intellectual Property Law
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François Guay is among the most experienced intellectual property litigators in Canada and a highly sought-after advisor to the largest, most innovative companies in the world. His “tactical acumen has saved the day for the likes of Microsoft, Nike and Air Canada. His ability to give reliable, early cost-benefit assessments allow senior business executives to plan ahead confidently and get an edge over their competitors” (IAM Patents 1000, 2018).

As one of the most successful IP litigators in the country at the appellate level, his clients trust their most complex and contentious IP issues to François’s proven track record of building effective litigation strategies and preparing highly persuasive arguments to be presented in court.

Having practiced exclusively in intellectual property litigation for over three decades, François has argued many cases that have resulted in leading jurisprudence in the fields of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, unfair competition, trade secrets and computer related technology. More than 200 of the cases he has been involved in thus far have been reported in Canada.

François also has a vast amount of experience with extraordinary recourses such as interim or interlocutory injunctions, seizures before judgment, and anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy matters. He has appeared before the Courts of Quebec and the Federal Court of Canada.

Companies ranging from mid-size to large Canadian and foreign corporations seek François’s IP expertise on a regular basis, including:

  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Nike
  • Bauer Hockey Corp.
  • Bell Canada
  • Rogers Communications
  • The Walt Disney Company
  • Air Canada
  • Canadian National Railway Company (CN)
  • Nobel Biocare USA
  • Quadco Equipment Inc.
  • Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
  • Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited (BAT)
  • Activision Blizzard
  • Chanel SARL
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • Parmalat Canada
  • Shell Canada Limited
  • Süd-Chemie AG
  • Shake Shack

Location
  • 1000 De La Gauchetière Street West
    Suite 3300
    Montréal, QC H3B 4W5
    Canada
Languages
  • English
  • French
Education
  • University of Montreal, LL.L, graduated 1981
Bar Admissions
  • Quebec, Quebec Bar 1982
Affiliations
  • Association des juristes pour le droit de la vigne et du vin - Member
  • Canadian Bar Association - Member
  • European Communities Trade Mark Association - Member
  • Intellectual Property Institute of Canada - Fellow
  • International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) - Member
  • International League of Competition Law (LIDC) - Member
  • International Trademark Association - Member

Smart & Biggar
Headquarters: Ottawa, Ontario

32 The Best Lawyers in Canada awards

2 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada awards

Law Firm of the Year Badge Visit Website View Firm Profile

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Intellectual Property Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Intellectual Property Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2011 - Intellectual Property Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Intellectual Property Law, Montréal, Canada (2021)
  • Intellectual Property Law, Montréal, Canada (2019)
  • Intellectual Property Law, Montréal, Canada (2011)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 for work in:
  • Intellectual Property Law
Special Focus:
  • Litigation

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Publications

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