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Karam Bayrakal, Partner | Corporate/Commercial

Karam Bayrakal *

Partner Fasken
Some of the most exciting and profitable technology companies in Canada today were start-ups. These businesses are foundational to a strong economy.
Jurisdiction British Columbia, 2000
Language(s) English
Office(s) Vancouver
Contact
*Law Corporation
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Overview

Karam Bayrakal is a business lawyer in Vancouver, and a past co-leader of the Technology, Media and Telecommunications group, who focuses on the areas of information technology, online services, interactive media, emerging technology and intellectual property. He is involved in the related issues around cyber security, privacy and confidentiality. Global and regional technology clients want Karam for his advice on the strategic, legal and commercial aspects of acquiring, developing and transferring technology.

Practical and innovative legal guidance

Karam's clients range from emerging companies to large international organizations. His deal experience with private and public sector clients extend across the United States, Asia, South America and Europe.

Extensive experience in large-scale, complex technology initiatives

Karam provides practical straightforward advice to clients on large-scale, complex technology projects. He works with clients throughout the selection and negotiation process, including strategy development, term sheet and contract negotiations, and structuring ongoing contract management and relationship governance.

Karam advises public bodies with respect to their information security needs related to technology systems and implementations, and has worked with emerging technology clients implementing advanced computing technologies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, including into national health care initiatives. 

Top advisor to the interactive media industry

Karam helps interactive media companies, in particular video game developers and publishers, through common and uncommon industry and legal issues. He advises video game clients on development and publishing deals, including advice on related corporate, tax, and intellectual property clearance issues. He has credits in multiple games, including Dead Rising 3 (a launch title for Xbox One), as well as top grossing App Store games.

Achievements

  • Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in Corporate Commercial Law, Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2026
  • Recognized in Intellectual Technology Law in Vancouver, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2026
  • Recognized in Venture Capital Law in Vancouver, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2025 to 2026
  • Recognized nationwide in Canada in Information Technology, Chambers Global 2024 to 2026
  • Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in Technology Transactions, Lexpert 2022 to 2026
  • Recognized in Information Technology Law in Vancouver, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2021 to 2026
  • Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in Information Technology, Lexpert 2020 to 2026
  • Recognized in Technology Law in Vancouver, The Best Lawyers in Canada 2020 to 2026
  • Recognized nationwide as a Next Generation Partner in Technology, The Legal 500 Canada 2018 to 2026
  • Recognized nationwide in Information Technology , Chambers Canada 2016 to 2026

Experience

  • Walter Software acquired by Legora, [Deal - Walter Software Corporation], Acquisition in the Legal-Tech industry.
  • Planet First Partners leads US$130 million financing for Photonic Inc. in latest investment round, [Deal - Planet First Partners], Investment round led by Planet First Partners.
  • SandboxAQ Acquires Good Chemistry, Melding AI and Quantum Tech for Drug Discovery, [Deal - Good Chemistry Inc.], Acquisition in the AI simulation industry
  • Vonigo Software Ltd. sells its business, [Deal - Vonigo Software Ltd], Vonigo Software Ltd. sells its business, allowing customers to get access to better payment tools.
  • Apply Digital receives growth investment from Interlock Equity, [Deal - Apply Digital], Apply Digital receives growth investment from Interlock Equity.
  • Motion Metrics International Corp sold for C$150 million, [Deal - Motion Metrics International Corp.], Scottish engineering firm acquires Canadian mining technology firm, a leading developer of innovative AI and 3D rugged machine vision technology used in mines worldwide.
  • Teradici Corporation in its acquisition by HP Inc., [Deal - Teradici Corporation], Acquisition helps enhance HP’s remote services and solutions tailored for hybrid work.
  • Trulioo closes US$394 million Series D financing, [Deal - Trulioo Information Services Inc.], Trulioo achieves unicorn status after US$394M Series D financing led by TCV at US$1.75B valuation.
  • Metalhead Software on its acquisition by Electronic Arts, [Deal - Metalhead Software Inc.], Metalhead Software Inc., a Canadian-based video game studio, was acquired by Electronic Arts Inc. EA SPORTS and Metalhead will be teaming up to grow the Super Mega Baseball franchise, as well as develop new gaming and sports experiences for players worldwide. Fasken advised Metalhead Software wit...

Career & Education

Education

  • LLB University of Ottawa
  • BA (Honours) University of Western Ontario

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Director, DigiBC - the Interactive & Digital Media Industry Association of BC
  • Member and former Director, BC Tech Association
  • Former Chair, Interactive Media Section, Canadian Association of Information Technology Law (IT.CAN)
  • Canadian Bar Association
     

Knowledge

  • Navigating 2026: Key Trends Shaping the Technology Sector, 3/24/2026
  • Navigating 2025: Key Trends Shaping the Technology Sector, 3/10/2025
  • Crypto Gaming: Raising the Stakes for Video Game Publishers and Developers, 4/27/2022
  • British Columbia Unveils Proposed Reforms to Public Sector Privacy Laws, 10/27/2021
  • Opening Pandora’s Loot Box? Canadian Class Action Lawsuit Over Loot Boxes May Provide Guidance On The Legality of Loot Boxes in Canada, 11/3/2020
  • Mind the Wrapping: Ensuring the Validity of Online Agreements, 2/12/2020

Events

  • Fasken Video Game Industry Forum, 9/30/2019
  • Fasken Martineau Symposium 2015 - Vancouver, 10/29/2015
  • Fasken Martineau Symposium 2012 - Vancouver, 10/11/2012

News

  • The Lawyer’s Daily quotes Karam Bayrakal and Michael Shortt in an article on the legal implications of a recently-launched class action over "loot boxes" in the gaming industry, 11/17/2020
  • Forty-Two Fasken Lawyers Ranked in 2020 Edition of Legal 500 Canada, 11/19/2019
  • Fasken once again wins ACG British Columbia’s “2018 Deal of the Year” Award, 11/8/2018
  • Fasken Doubles Top Tier Rankings in Legal 500 Canada 2018, 12/7/2017
  • Fasken Martineau Partners’ Landmark Transaction Wins ACG British Columbia 2017 Deal of the Year Award, 10/24/2017
  • The Legal 500 Canada 2017: 63 Fasken Martineau lawyers ranked, 11/15/2016
  • Lexpert Magazine quotes Karam Bayrakal on the problem with Canadian venture financing, 10/8/2016
  • Chambers Canada 2017 Guide recognizes 83 Fasken Martineau lawyers and names us “Employment Law Firm of the Year”, 10/3/2016
  • Chambers Canada 2016 Guide recognizes 74 Fasken Martineau lawyers, 10/20/2015

Publications

  • Balancing Act: Genetics and Privacy, 4/1/2002
Article Balancing Act: Genetics and Privacy

Speaking Engagements

  • Game Development and Contract Issues, 10/1/2017
  • Open Source Software: Background, Contracts & Considerations, 10/26/2016
  • Internet of Things, 10/29/2015
  • Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation – Ready or Not, Here it Comes, 2/14/2014
  • Cloud Computing and Privacy Issues, 10/11/2012
  • IT Litigation Seminar: Getting IT Right, 6/1/2010
  • Intellectual Property: Primer, Protection and Commercialization, 1/4/2010
  • Intellectual Property: Introduction to Intellectual Property and Licensing, 1/3/2010
  • IP Primer and Protection Strategies, 6/7/2008
  • Service Level Agreements, 6/29/2006
Speaker Game Development and Contract Issues Video Game Bar Association, Summit North location location Vancouver, BC Video Game Bar Association, Summit North
Speaker Open Source Software: Background, Contracts & Considerations Fasken Martineau Symposium 2016 location location Vancouver, BC
Speaker Internet of Things Fasken Martineau Symposium 2015 location location Vancouver, BC