Kelly Gill
Partner
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
A partner at Gowling WLG since 1999, Kelly Gill is best known for his intellectual property litigation practice, particularly in the areas of trademarks and unfair competition. Kelly is past leader of the firm's Trademarks, Brands & Designs and IP Litigation & Strategy groups.
Kelly is ranked as a leading IP lawyer by some of the world's foremost legal directories, such as the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Who's Who Legal and The Best Lawyers in Canada. The 2015 World Trademark Review 1000 ranks Kelly as one of the top trademark litigation counsel in Canada, stating that he "never misses a trick and just doesn't let up. He is a forceful advocate and skilled litigator."
Kelly has appeared before all levels of court in Canada and served as counsel on two of the Supreme Court of Canada's most important trademark and copyright decisions: Masterpiece Inc. v. Alavida Lifestyles Inc. (2011 SCC 27) and CCH Canadian Ltd. v. Law Society of Upper Canada (2004 SCC 13).
Kelly is the author of numerous publications, most notably Fox on Canadian Law of Trademarks and Unfair Competition (4th edition). This two-volume text, first published in 2002 and updated each year since, is considered the leading trademark law authority in Canada. It has been cited by every level of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada in all of its trademark judgments since publication.
Kelly is also an adjunct professor and sits on the Advisory Board of IP Osgoode at Osgoode Hall Law School.