ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our commitment to excellence begins with our people. As an international law firm with offices in Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we’re proud to recruit and retain top talent who bring energy, insight, and a singular focus on delivering exceptional experiences – for our clients and each other.

We’re intentional about building a workplace that’s both high-performing and supportive, ensuring that everyone is empowered to do their best work and reach their full potential. Our culture is grounded in our shared values: Raise the Bar, Embrace Differences, and Thrive Together. These values shape how we collaborate, lead, and succeed – across teams, time zones, and career paths.

Whether you’re pursuing a role in law or business services, explore what’s possible and make your mark with Gowling WLG.

PROFILE

Reporting to the Head of IP Operations, the successful candidate will provide support to trademark professionals and clients alike.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assisting with the review and preparation trademark applications (in particular preparing and reviewing specifications of goods and services and grouping and classifying goods and services). This may include correspondence with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and clients.
• Reviewing, reporting and preparing responses to trademark formalities office actions (including regarding notifications and objections relating to specifications of goods and services and classification of goods and services during prosecution and at renewal). This may include correspondence with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and clients. 
• Working with professionals to compile and submit additions to the Goods and Services Manual to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
• Other tasks relating to the prosecution and management of domestic and foreign trademark applications as may be assigned from time to time
• Ensuring that the Intellectual Property in-house database is updated with all necessary notes and data input, including due dates, payments etc.
• Reviewing and monitoring daily diary and due case reports and initiating appropriate action where necessary such as sending necessary reminders to clients.
• Assisting in resolving work related issues and provides support and mentoring to other members of the team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant post-secondary education (such as a university degree, Law Clerk or Legal Assistant Diploma/Certificate), preferably coupled with a minimum of 3-5 years directly related experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and other Firm members, with the aptitude to take care of clients’ needs in a professional and courteous manner.
• Capacity to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Produce a high quality and quantity of work product, often under tight timelines.
• Able to prioritize and to redefine priorities when necessary.
• Strong familiarity with Nice Classification and procedure generally at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (Trademarks).
• Knowledge of foreign trademark practice would be an asset. 
• Handle stress in a business-like manner.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bilingualism would be considered a strong asset.

BENEFITS/PERKS

Gowling WLG’s total rewards program is designed to foster a culture where high performance and personal well-being go hand-in-hand. We support your career and life with:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
• 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment)
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders 
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more

The starting range for this role is $65,000 to $82,500. Starting salary will be determined based on an applicant’s individual skills, competencies and unique qualifications. Gowling WLG employees have the potential to exceed this range based on tenure and performance. 

This position is currently vacant and is open to both internal and external candidates. Gowling WLG is recruiting for this role to support ongoing firm needs and team operations.

This employer may use tools within our applicant tracking system that include artificial intelligence–supported features, such as automated candidate matching. These tools do not make hiring decisions; all screening, assessments, and selections are reviewed and completed by human recruiters and hiring managers.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you are in need of accommodation or support at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.