Justine M Whitehead

Justine M Whitehead is the managing partner of Stikeman Elliott’s Ottawa office and head of the firm’s IP group. Ms Whitehead counsels clients in connection with the acquisition and protection of IP rights, especially in the context of commercial and transactional matters. She has also appeared before the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal on matters relating to intellectual property and international trade.

As a Best Lawyers in Canada-ranked lawyer for intellectual property, Ms Whitehead’s extensive track record of success includes the negotiating and drafting of technology services and IP licensing agreements, as well as counselling clients on the acquisition, protection and enforcement of IP rights in connection with trademark prosecution and portfolio management. She has also provided counsel pertaining to the marketing, advertising and sale of regulated consumer products, including food and beverages, natural health products, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, consumer chemicals, pesticides and hazardous products.

Ms Whitehead has written and co-written articles for online publications, including “Electronic Commerce in Canada: A Legal and Regulatory Guide” and “Changes in distribution models may affect trademark rights”. In addition, she has contributed the following chapters:

• “Copyright Law in Canada”, in Internet Law for the Business Lawyer, 2nd edition, American Bar Association, August 2012;
• “Canadian Domain Name Rules”, in Internet Law for the Business Lawyer, 2nd edition, American Bar Association, August 2012; and
• “Lower Court Erred in Using Trademark Principles in Keyword Case”, INTA Bulletin, Vol 66, No12, INTA, July 2011.  

Professional activities

Ms Whitehead is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, INTA and the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada.

Background

Prior to attending law school, Ms Whitehead spent several years working in finance and corporate development at Canada Post Corporation’s headquarters in Ottawa.