Jennifer Morton is a senior registered trademark agent and partner in Gowling WLG’s Toronto office. With more than 30 years of experience in the practice of Canadian trademark clearance, prosecution and opposition, Ms Morton advises clients on a wide range of matters, including the implementation of and strategies for dealing with Canada’s new Trademarks Act, Canada’s adherence to the Madrid Protocol and the unique aspects of brand protection in Canada. Ms Morton works extensively with CIPO Policy Officials on new practices and is a member of CIPO’s Director General’s Advisory Council.
Ms Morton specialises in foreign prosecution matters, including the strategic management of international prosecution portfolios.
Her practice extends to all aspects of trademark clearance, strategy, prosecution and opposition proceedings, as well as licensing, assignment and security interest issues. She represents clients in all industry segments, with specialised expertise in Canadian pharmaceutical clearance (including predictions for regulatory approval of pharmaceutical brands), consumer products, financial services, computer software, social networking, and sporting goods and apparel.
Ms Morton is an active member of the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the recipient of the 2017 INTA Volunteer Service Award for the Advancement of Trademark Law – a prestigious award given to an INTA member who has gone above and beyond their regular duties as an INTA volunteer. Ms Morton’s award is based on her work with the Canadian Trademarks Office in preparation for the changes to Canadian legislation and practice.
Ms Morton co-chairs the Trademarks Office Practices Committee for Canada, is a member of the Pharmaceutical Trademarks Group, the Association of European Trademark Owners MARQUES, the American Bar Association and the International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property. She is also a member of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada and sits on its Trademark Practices Committee, which works together with Canadian Trademarks Office examiners and its executive to develop practice policies and enhance trademark registration processes for brand owners in Canada.
She is a frequent speaker on trademark issues and pharmaceutical brand clearance considerations, including look-alike/sound-alike brand names.
Network Memberships: International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property, International Trademark Association, MARQUES, Patent and Trademark Institute of Canada, Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group
