René Bissonnette

René Bissonnette is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Toronto office with particular knowledge in matters at the interface of advertising, marketing and entertainment law. He provides practical advice and cost-effective risk management solutions.

As part of his practice, René regularly advises clients on:

• Executing promotional campaigns
• Negotiating spokesperson, sponsorship, talent and co-promotion agreements
• Dealing with talent union (e.g. ACTRA) matters
• Responding to Ad Standards complaints
• Creating influencer marketing and native advertising content
• Producing and exploiting film, music and other creative properties
• Advising clients on CASL and privacy matters
• Reviewing consumer goods packaging and labelling
• Developing website terms of use and social media policies
• Structuring online consumer transactions and rewards programs

Fluent in English and French, René is a member of the Ad Standards Council, the co-editor of the Food, NHP & Cosmetic newsletter and a lecturer at Osgoode Hall Law School, Ryerson’s Digital Media Zone and Schulich’s School of Business.

Education

• 2010 University of Toronto, JD
• 2007 McGill University, B.Sc. with great distinction in Psychology and Biology