R. Nelson Godfrey

Nelson Godfrey is a partner in Gowling WLG's Vancouver office and head of the firm’s national Trademark Group. Nelson provides legal and strategic advice to domestic and international clients operating in a wide range of industries, including computer hardware and software, manufacturing/fabrication, clothing, consumer products, entertainment and alcoholic beverages. He has experience in contentious disputes in all areas of IP law - patents, trademarks, copyright, designs and trade secrets. He regularly represents clients before the Federal Court of Canada, the superior courts of Alberta and British Columbia and the Trademarks Opposition Board. He also assists clients with clearing, protecting and enforcing their brands in the Canadian market and managing trademark portfolios for Canadian and international clients. He advises clients on contractual, ownership, privacy and other legal considerations associated with the development, transfer and commercialization of tech and IP assets. Recognized in Chambers Canada, IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review 1000 and the Legal 500 Canada, Nelson has also been identified as a “Rising Star” in Euromoney and Expert Guides.  In 2025, Managing Intellectual Property named him “Canadian Practitioner of the Year – Trademark Disputes”.