Shane Hardy

Shane is a strategic business adviser who has assisted in the acquisition, licensing, and marketing of some of the world’s most famous trademarks and IP assets. Shane is one of a select few Canadian practitioners recognized for his experience in commercial transactions regarding intellectual property assets and is frequently called upon by brand owners around the world to assist with their international acquisition and licensing plans. Shane has assisted clients with dozens of cross-border acquisitions where target entities have an intellectual property focus.

As a registered trademark agent, Shane has managed intellectual property portfolios on behalf of some of the world’s most successful brands. He acts for clients in trademark oppositions and cancellation proceedings and provides strategic guidance to globally recognized clients on trademark availability, registrability and online expansion plans. Modern day brand owners expect legal counsel to understand their business, on a worldwide basis. Chambers Canada recently recounted one client who noted “… he really stands out. He takes the time to understand our business and is more of a business partner to us.”

While business-focused solutions are almost always preferred, clients appreciate that litigation can be necessary and, in some cases, even a driving force behind business success. Shane’s clients appreciate his courtroom presence and significant experience in dealing with all levels of Canadian courts. From proceedings before provincial Superior Courts, to the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada, Shane’s success in representing clients in high-stakes litigation is key to his client’s success. Shane’s advocacy practice has seen him act on behalf of clients in virtually all sectors of the economy, including major international publishers, retailers, commercial developers, automotive giants, and post-secondary institutions.

Intellectual property assets increasingly form the basis of new business creation and expansion within the digital economy. Various online marketing and product claims have increasingly drawn the attention of capital market regulators. Shane’s decades of experience in intellectual property protection as the chair of a leading Canadian firm’s Business Law Group has afforded him the skills and experience to work hand-in-hand with clients to successfully respond to critical enforcement actions initiated by securities regulators.

Shane earned his LL.B. from Dalhousie University.