Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming the way businesses operate, presenting both significant opportunities and complex legal challenges. Navigating this rapidly evolving landscape demands expert legal insight and a comprehensive understanding of the unique issues AI technologies present. At Blakes, we provide tailored legal guidance to help clients manage the implications of AI, from regulatory compliance and data protection to intellectual property, commercial transactions and dispute resolution.
Our multi-disciplinary team combines deep sector knowledge with an expert understanding of technological developments, enabling us to deliver practical, forward-thinking advice. We are committed to supporting clients across the full spectrum of AI-related legal matters.
AI Governance
We assist clients in developing and implementing robust AI governance frameworks to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. Our advice covers best practices for oversight, accountability and risk management, helping clients anticipate and address potential legal and reputational risks associated with AI deployment.
Data Use and Privacy Compliance
Data is fundamental to AI, making expertise in data privacy and protection law essential. We advise clients on all aspects of data collection, storage, usage and sharing, ensuring compliance with Canadian and international regulations, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
Regulatory Compliance
AI technologies are subject to a complex and dynamic regulatory landscape that varies across jurisdictions and industries. Our team provides guidance on compliance with industry-specific regulations, including those applicable to healthcare, finance and transportation at both the provincial and federal levels. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments, providing clients with timely updates and strategic advice to ensure ongoing compliance, mitigate risk and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Intellectual Property
Protecting AI innovations is essential. Our team assists clients in securing robust intellectual property protection — covering patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets — for their AI technologies, algorithms and related developments. We also advise on licensing and commercialization strategies tailored to your business objectives.
Vendor and Third-Party AI Management
Many businesses rely on third-party vendors for AI solutions. We offer expert legal guidance in negotiating and managing contracts with AI vendors, ensuring your interests are protected at every state of the relationship.
Mergers & Acquisitions Involving AI Technologies
Mergers and acquisitions involving AI companies present unique legal complexities that require expertise. Our team has extensive experience advising on acquisitions and investments in AI businesses. We provide comprehensive support through the transaction process, including due diligence, deal structuring and negotiation. We also advise on the use of AI in capital markets and shareholder services, as well as adapting to the changing regulatory landscape.
AI-Related Dispute Resolution Strategies
Disputes involving AI can be complex and multifaceted. We offer legal representation and dispute resolution services for a wide range of issues, including intellectual property infringement, data breaches and contractual disputes. Our broad team of specialists, with expertise across various disciplines, provides the depth of knowledge and experience required to litigate even the most challenging AI-related contracts. This ensures our clients receive comprehensive, informed support throughout the dispute resolution process, enabling efficient and effective conflict resolution.
- Wisedocs, an AI-based platform simplifying medical documentation review, on its C$13-million Seed Equity Round, which included Ripple Ventures as lead investor and other angel investors.
- GGV Capital as lead investor on a C$46-million Series B round of funding in Arteria AI.
- Staircase Ventures, a Canadian venture capital firm led by one of Canada’s most prominent investors on various seed stage investments.
- Thinktum Inc. on its acquisition of the issued and outstanding shares of Illustrate Inc. and the assets of Illustrate Inc. USA (collectively, “Illustrate”).
- SandboxAQ, a newly formed growth capital AI and quantum computing enterprise in its acquisition of Good Chemistry, a leading computational chemistry company that leverages AI, quantum and other advanced technologies to accelerate drug discovery and materials design.
- CiteRight on its merger with Jurisage Group Inc., a breakthrough legal AI company.
- The Liberal Party of Canada in connection with the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia’s inquiry into the use of facial recognition software to confirm identities for nomination meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Legal 500 Canada - Tier 1: AI
People
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David FeldmanPartner | Toronto
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Anne GloverPartner | Toronto
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Chris HunterPartner | Toronto
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Christopher JonesPartner | Toronto
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Wendy MeePartner | Toronto
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Geoffrey MowattPartner | Toronto
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Robert PercivalPartner | Toronto
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Holly ReidPartner | Toronto
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Chris HarrisPartner | Calgary
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Alexandra LuchenkoPartner | Vancouver
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Sunny HandaPartner | Montréal
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Sunny HandaPartner | Montréal
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David FeldmanPartner | Toronto
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Anne GloverPartner | Toronto
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Chris HarrisPartner | Calgary
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Chris HunterPartner | Toronto
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Christopher JonesPartner | Toronto
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Alexandra LuchenkoPartner | Vancouver
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Wendy MeePartner | Toronto
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Geoffrey MowattPartner | Toronto
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Robert PercivalPartner | Toronto
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Holly ReidPartner | Toronto