Barry Sookman is one of Canada’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) lawyers. He advises clients on the legal issues arising from the development, commercialization and use of AI systems, with a focus on the commercial aspects of AI, intellectual property in AI, and litigation of AI disputes, including copyright disputes. In 2027, Chambers Canada introduced its first-ever Artificial Intelligence ranking and ranked Barry Sookman as a Senior Statesperson. He is also ranked as a Leading Partner for AI by The Legal 500 Canada.
His AI practice draws on decades of experience as one of Canada’s foremost technology, copyright and privacy lawyers. He is the author of the leading multi-volume treatise, Sookman: Computer, Internet, Electronic Commerce, and Artificial Intelligence Law (Thomson Reuters).
How Barry Sookman helps clients with AI
Barry Sookman’s AI practice focuses on three areas: the commercial aspects of AI, intellectual property in AI, and litigation of AI disputes, including copyright disputes.
1. Commercial aspects of AI
He advises developers, suppliers and users of AI on the commercial and contractual issues that arise throughout the AI lifecycle. This includes:
- Negotiating agreements to acquire, develop, license, deploy and integrate AI systems, including generative AI tools, large language models, and AI-enabled software-as-a-service and cloud offerings
- AI procurement and outsourcing, including for financial institutions and other regulated organizations, and AI used in defence and government procurements
- Data licensing and AI training data arrangements
- Allocating AI risk through warranties, indemnities, limits of liability, service levels, audit rights and accountability terms
- AI governance, policies and vendor diligence, and compliance with the rules that apply to AI, including PIPEDA and other privacy laws, OSFI Guideline E-23 on model risk management, Canada’s proposed AI legislation and the EU AI Act
- Ethical and responsible AI issues
2. Intellectual property and AI
Barry Sookman is one of Canada’s leading authorities on the intersection of AI and intellectual property, especially copyright. He advises on:
- The use of copyright-protected works and data to train AI models, including text and data mining and fair dealing
- Ownership of, and copyright protection for, AI-generated outputs and prompts
- Liability for AI outputs that reproduce or are derived from protected works
- Licensing models for AI training and for the use of content by AI systems
- Protecting AI models, software, data and trade secrets
- Technological protection measures and rights management information
- IP clearance and risk management for AI products and services
3. AI litigation and disputes, including copyright disputes
He is a leading figure in complex AI-related disputes. He acts in litigation and disputes concerning AI systems, including copyright litigation relating to the training and outputs of generative AI, as well as disputes over AI contracts, licensing and the performance of AI systems. He brings to these matters his experience as counsel in many precedent-setting intellectual property and technology cases at all levels of court, including ten appearances in the Supreme Court of Canada, and as the author of leading texts on copyright and technology law.
AI policy and government relations
He regularly contributes to the development of AI law and policy in Canada. His recent submissions and appearances include:
- House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU) study on the opportunities, risks and regulation of AI (2026)
- Bill C-27 (CPPA and AIDA): privacy and artificial intelligence (November 2023)
- Copyright reform consultations: artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (2021)
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner consultation on artificial intelligence (March 2020)
AI thought leadership
Barry Sookman writes and speaks frequently on AI law. His blog at barrysookman.com is a leading Canadian source of analysis on AI, copyright, privacy and technology law. Recent AI topics include:
- Thomson Reuters v ROSS: what the AI training fair use ruling means
- Artificial intelligence, access to justice and the future of law
- AI regulation in Canada: his INDU testimony
- AI ethics: a court overturning an arbitration decision over the use of generative AI
- Copyright in AI prompts: a Chinese court ruling on generative AI and originality
- OSFI Guideline E-23 and its impact on financial institutions
- Ziff Davis v OpenAI and other key generative AI copyright litigation rulings
- Moffatt v. Air Canada: a misrepresentation by an AI chatbot
He was a member of the Wellness AI Ethics Committee (a B.C. Supercluster project) and of the York University Connected Minds Advisory Board, and an adjunct professor of intellectual property law at Osgoode Hall Law School.
AI rankings and recognition
Chambers Canada (2027) Artificial Intelligence – Nationwide (Senior Statesperson; inaugural ranking): “Barry Sookman is widely recognised for his expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), copyright and technology law. He advises clients on the development, commercialisation and use of AI systems, including intellectual property, regulatory compliance and technology contracting issues, and is a leading figure in complex AI-related disputes and policy matters.” “He offers expert advice on IT, AI and contracting matters, with a strong understanding of our industry’s specific requirements.” “Barry is one of the leading copyright scholars, and we appreciate his insight.” “Barry is terrific.”
The Legal 500 Canada (2026) Artificial Intelligence (Leading Partner): “The team benefits from the experience of Barry Sookman, who is geared to support on issues involving the development, commercialisation and use of AI systems.”
Chambers Canada and Chambers Global, Privacy & Data Protection: “The ‘pre-eminent’ Barry Sookman has expertise in privacy issues concerning the use of artificial intelligence, in addition to advising financial institutions on data breach management.”
Also ranked as a Senior Statesperson in Information Technology and Intellectual Property by Chambers Canada (2027) and Chambers Global (2026), and recognized by The Legal 500 Canada, the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Best Lawyers in Canada and the Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal).
Barry Sookman is a leading AI lawyer in Toronto and across Canada, advising on the commercial aspects of AI, AI and intellectual property, and AI litigation, including copyright disputes. Contact today!