Nicolas Charest is an associate with the intellectual property group, practising at Fasken’s Montreal office.
Nicolas is called to advise client on a broad range of trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets-related matters. He is most often involved in trademark prosecution and trademark litigation, being asked to secure and enforce trademarks locally and internationally. Over the years, Nicolas has developed a particular expertise with regards to non-traditional trademarks, including colour trademarks, as well as geographical indications and controlled appellations in the alcohol and food industries. Holder of an LL.M specialized in intellectual property and information technology from the University of California – Berkeley and a licensed attorney of the New York state bar, Nicolas has a in-depth understanding of US IP laws. He also lived and studied in Europe, where he became familiar with EU laws and institutions. Given this extensive international background and affinities, he is called to advise clients on cross-border IP enforcement and international development of brand portfolios.
His master thesis on the property rights over big data led Nicolas to develop a significant practice in contract drafting and negotiating in the field of information technology, especially with licensing agreements, SaaS agreements, development agreements and various kinds of terms and conditions. He is often called to work in close collaboration with the firm’s Emerging Technology department on complex IP-related contractual matters. He is also involved in high-profile corporate transactions in which he advises clients on how to strategically manage intellectual property assets.
Nicolas is a member of the Trade Secrets subpractice group. Using his experience in the United States, he now advises clients on the most efficient ways to manage and protect trade secrets.
Nicolas is a member of the Intellectual Property Owners Association, the American Bar Association – IP section and the Copyright Society.
