Partner
100 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario
M4S 1V1, Canada
+14168046628
Trade mark star 2025
English
Intellectual property
IP transactions
Trade mark
Consumer goods and services
Manufacturing
Retail
Technology hardware
Telecommunication
Shane Hardy is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Toronto office and a member of the Intellectual Property group. He advises global brand owners on the acquisition, licensing and protection of intellectual property assets that underpin their commercial strategies.
Clients recognize Shane for his experience in complex IP transactions and often engage him to lead international portfolio acquisitions, licensing deals and brand expansion initiatives. He brings particular insight to matters where intellectual property plays a central role in business growth and market entry.
A registered trademark agent, Shane supports clients throughout the full lifecycle of brand protection — from clearance and filing to portfolio management, enforcement and dispute resolution. He is known for aligning legal strategy with clients’ broader objectives and taking the time to understand the industries, challenges and opportunities that shape their decisions.
Shane has appeared before all levels of court in Canada and is respected for his measured, outcome-focused approach to litigation. He works extensively with clients in the technology, manufacturing, retail and entertainment sectors, offering strategic advice on digital enforcement, regulatory compliance and IP risk. These companies rely on his ability to navigate international regulatory regimes and respond to enforcement actions tied to online marketing, product claims and cross-border disclosure obligations.
Year joined firm: 2025
Represented Investindustrial, a private equity firm based in London, in its acquisition of a majority stake in Eataly S.p.A., the global chain of upscale Italian marketplaces. This transaction drew on the experience of the firm's Corporate, Real Estate, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Intellectual Property, and Technology, Privacy, & Data Security attorneys.