René Bissonnette

Partner, Gowling WLG

René Bissonnette is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Toronto office with distinctive expertise in matters at the interface of advertising, marketing and entertainment law. René is ranked in Chambers 2022 for Advertising & Marketing. 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.

Contributed to

1

Dealing with social media influencers—Canada

Practice notes

This Practice Note deals with influencer marketing in Canada. It is aimed at social media talent as well as at brand owners engaging in advertising. This Practice Note focuses on applicable regulations, codes and guidelines, what constitutes ‘endorsement’ in Canada, labelling and disclosure requirements, sanctions and oversight for inadequate disclosure. Ownership rights to sponsored content and key provisions in relevant agreements are also covered.

TMT