Maxime Gagné, Cofounder
514 360-1336 ext. 22
mgagne@stlawrence-mtl.com
Team work is central to providing our clients with the best results

Max is a Partner and the Cofounder of St. Lawrence Law Firm, one of Canada's most reputable firms in the fields of intellectual property, entertainment, technology, marketing/advertising and litigation specialized in these areas. Max also acts as a corporate director and is involved in various capacities with not-for-profit organizations.


Max is recognized in the legal industry as an outstanding lawyer and a leader in the firm's various fields of practice. He provides his clients with legal support in contract drafting and negotiation, but also in litigation and conflict resolution. His clientele is comprised primarily of entrepreneurs and large corporations doing business in the fields of arts & entertainment, technology, video games, digital media, advertising and in the retail sector.


Max has been consistently recognized as one of the best attorneys in Canada, notably by prestigious publications such as Best Lawyers in Canada, World Trademark Review, Lexpert and as a finalist for the Lexpert Rising Stars awards (leading lawyers under 40). He has received the 2023 Order of Merit from the Faculty of Law of the University of Ottawa in recognition of his contribution to the legal profession and his dedication to support various not-for-profit organizations.


In the field of intellectual property, Max advises his clients on matters related to intellectual property registration, litigation and licensing, particularly with respect to trademarks, copyrights and domain names. He also provides legal advice in relation to the commercialization of patents and patented inventions. He has been lead counsel on several intellectual property litigation matters and, in that context, successfully represented his clients in court proceedings or assisted them in reaching a suitable settlement whenever appropriate.


In the field of entertainment law, he represents producers, broadcasters and distributors, from both the United States and Canada, regarding all aspects of the development, production, licensing and distribution of films projects, television programs, live stage performances and musical productions.


In the context of his practice in technology law, Max represents and advises clients in the negotiation and drafting of contracts related to all aspects of technology commercialization, including outsourcing agreements, software licensing, systems integration and IT services.


Max is a registered trademark agent and has extensive experience in both trademark prosecution and enforcement. Throughout his career, he has handled significant domestic and international trademark portfolios. He is trusted by a variety of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, to handle their valuable trademark assets and defend them when necessary.


Finally, during his many years in private practice, Max has provided legal advice in hundreds of matters in administrative and regulatory law, mainly in the areas of privacy, access to information, electronic communications, competition and marketing/advertising. With respect to privacy more specifically, he designs policies, conducts audits and drafts agreements for the processing and transfer of personal information.


Prior to founding St. Lawrence Law Firm, Max practiced law at two preeminent Canadian firms, namely Stikeman Elliott and Heenan Blaikie.


Governance and Business Management


Max dedicates a significant portion of his spare time to various not-for-profit organizations, either as a corporate director or philanthropist. Currently, Max serves as Chairman of the National Theatre School of Canada. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Bar Association (Quebec Division) and he is a member of the fundraising cabinet of GRIS.


Throughout the years, Max has developed strong skills in corporate governance and business management. He is an experienced entrepreneur and Board executive with a track-record of successes in developing and implementing strategic objectives with a 360-degree view, taking into account legal, human, financial and organizational needs and challenges.


Max has a deep passion for culture and the arts. As a result, he has been primarily involved with organizations in these sectors.


Education and Main Academic Award


  • LL.M. Entertainment Law (Highest Honours), University of Westminster, England
  • LL.B. / J.D. (Common Law) (Magna Cum Laude), University of Ottawa
  • LL.L. (Civil Law) (Summa Cum Laude), University of Ottawa
  • Recipient, International Fellowship, J. Armand Bombardier Foundation
  • Recipient, John Aylen C.R. Prize and Right Honourable Brian Dickson Prize, University of Ottawa (highest academic standing in the combined national program (LL.L. / LL.B. / J.D.))


Professional Affiliations


  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
  • CAN-TECH
  • Association des juristes pour l'avancement de la vie artistique (AJAVA)
  • Regroupement des praticiens du droit des marques de commerce (RPM)
  • International Trademark Association (INTA)


Social and Professional Involvement


  • Chairman, National Theatre School of Canada
  • Board Member, Canadian Bar Association (Quebec Division)
  • Member, Capital Campaign Fundraising Committee, GRIS MONTREAL
  • Mentor, Mentorship Committee, CAN-TECH 
  • Past Director, National Theatre School of Canada
  • Past Cochair, Mentorship Committee, CAN-TECH
  • Past Member, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, CAN-TECH

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