Mr. Sookman is one of Canada’s leading, highest ranked and most respected copyright and intellectual property lawyers, with experience in copyright and intellectual property litigation, information technology litigation, AI disputes, and arbitration proceedings. He has extensive expertise in copyright matters including anti-piracy, ISP liability, copyright litigation and enforcement, and infringement proceedings including infringements related to computer and entertainment software, software, music, books, databases, audiovisual and other works, technological protection measures, Internet disputes, license disputes, Crown copyright, rights clearances, and international copyright issues including copyright treaty compliance.
He is also one of Canada’s leading authorities on artificial intelligence and copyright, advising on the use of protected works to train AI models, text and data mining, fair dealing, the copyright status of AI-generated outputs, and AI-related copyright disputes. He regularly advises clients on copyright issues and has testified numerous times before Parliamentary and Senate Committees on copyright, intellectual property trade, and artificial intelligence related issues.
In addition to providing strategic advice in connection with high-profile IP matters, he has been involved as counsel in numerous leading IP cases and has appeared in the Supreme Court of Canada 11 times. Copyright and IP rankings.
Mr. Sookman has consistently been ranked by authoritative Canadian and international guides as the top or among Canada’s top copyright lawyers and intellectual property lawyers. For example:
Chambers Canada and Chambers Global (2015-2027) Intellectual Property (ranked highest in Band 1 or “Senior Statesman”/“Senior Statesperson”): “Barry Sookman is universally regarded as one of Canada’s foremost authorities on information technology and intellectual property issues. One client enthused: “He is excellent – he has the knowledge, the passion and the experience of how to navigate a matter to a successful conclusion.” “Barry Sookman is a renowned copyright expert, who recently acted for Music Canada as an intervener in an infringement case before the Supreme Court of Canada. Sources refer to him as “top-notch,” and say he “has his finger on the pulse of new market developments.”” “Barry Sookman is a recognised leader in the area of copyright, where he holds a wealth of experience.” “Barry Sookman is a recognised leader in the area of copyright, where he holds a wealth of experience. His work highlights include representing Teranet in copyright class action litigation against map surveyors in Ontario.” “Barry Sookman has a “great reputation” in the market as a talented lawyer who “wrote the book on IP and technology law.” He is particularly applauded for his work in copyright infringement matters.” “Technology specialist Barry Sookman is recognised throughout the market for his copyright practice. He is described as “a remarkably intelligent, sophisticated practitioner.” He is often retained as counsel on significant copyright mandates pertaining to websites.” “Barry Sookman is a popular choice for technology sector clients, as he offers “unparalleled copyright expertise” and deep knowledge of IP issues relating to the industry. Considered to be one of the country’s foremost experts on e-commerce issues, market commentators explain: “His ability to handle many different sides to things and his well-rounded practice sets him apart.”” “Technology industry stalwart Barry Sookman continues to be recognised as a leading light in the area of copyright and information technology. “You don’t just get top-notch advice, but there is a gravitas that comes with working with him,” revealed one client, adding: “He is so well regarded within the legal industry and the government.”” “Technology industry stalwart Barry Sookman continues to be recognised as a leading light in the area of copyright and information technology. Based in Toronto, he has also been engaged on major litigation files. “He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law and is a leader in the field of technology law.”” Technology industry stalwart Barry Sookman continues to be recognised as a leading light in the area of copyright and information technology. Based in Toronto, he has also been engaged on major litigation files. “Barry Sookman is a top Canadian IP and internet lawyer.” “Technology industry stalwart Barry Sookman continues to be recognised as a leading light in the area of copyright and information technology. Based in Toronto, he has also been engaged on major litigation files.” “Barry is well respected within the profession.”
Chambers Canada (2027) Artificial Intelligence – Nationwide (“Senior Statesperson”; inaugural Artificial Intelligence 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.”
Managing IP: IP Stars (2020-2024) Copyright Star; Notable Practitioner (2025-2026)
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (2003-2026): Intellectual Property Highest ranking – Most Frequently Recommended
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (2026): Litigation – Intellectual Property
Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada published by Lexpert and American Lawyer (2003-2022): Top-ranked lawyer in Computer & IT Law, Technology Transactions and Intellectual Property. Recognized in its successor guide, Lexpert’s Leading 500 Cross-Border Lawyers: A Guide to Doing Business in Canada (2026): Data Privacy & Cybersecurity; Intellectual Property; and Information Technology.
Benchmark Canada (2017-2021): Listed as a Litigation Star in the area of Intellectual Property
Benchmark Litigation Canada (2024): Impact Case Award – Canada (Privacy Commissioner) v. Facebook, Inc., 2023 FC 533
The Legal 500 Canada (2019-2026) (2023-2026 Hall of Fame) Intellectual Property (Leading individual) “key contact is litigator Barry Sookman, who focuses on IT, IP and privacy matters.” “Leading Individual” in Technology. “Barry Sookman ranks among the market’s leading regulatory specialists.” “McCarthy Tétrault operates across all key pillars of IP law, with strong offerings in prosecution, litigation, and multi-jurisdictional matters. Among the names to note in Toronto, senior counsel Barry Sookman stands as an authority in copyright and IP-related issues.” “Other key practitioners include Toronto-based senior counsel Barry Sookman, who focuses on technology and IP law.”
Technology, Media, Telecoms (2017) (Leading Lawyers) “Toronto-based Barry Sookman is widely regarded as a market leader and advised the International Federation of Film Producers Associations and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, as interveners, in a landmark case ordering a search engine to delist websites from search indexes globally.”
Best Lawyers (2006-2027) Ranked as the best Technology Lawyer of the Year, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2026. Ranked by Best Lawyers in Communications Law, Information Technology, Technology, Intellectual Property, and Privacy and Data Security Law.
Who’s Who Legal / Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal): Canada (2011-2026) Data – Information Technology – “Thought Leader”; Data Privacy & Protection Global Leader, Data Security, Information Technology. “Most Highly Regarded” Individual or Global Leader”., Data “National Leader”; Lexology Index Thought Leader – Data: Data Privacy & Protection; Lexology Legal Influencer – TMT, Canada (Q2 2025) “Peers describe him as a “seasoned lawyer” who is in a “class of his own”. “He is “the doyen on internet work” and is a “legend”. “Barry Sookman is described by peers a ‘world class’ and ‘an inspiration for other lawyers operating in this space’.” “Barry Sookman is in “a class of his own” according to our sources. Based in Toronto, his practice encompasses information technology and intellectual property matters including outsourcing, joint ventures, and licensing”. “Barry Sookman is a “major player” in the field and one of Canada’s “pre-eminent” practitioners advising upon information technology, internet, copyright and privacy law matters. He is described as practising at the forefront of the discipline and “has a close eye on industry developments.””
Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Managing IP (2013) award for Canada’s Outstanding IP Practitioner.
IAM: The World’s Leading Patent and Technology Licensing Lawyers (2011-2017): “Barry Sookman garners plaudits for his commercial awareness and ‘enterprising approach’ to licence agreements”; among “’the absolute elite of licensing experts’. He maintains a thriving practice encompassing IP and IT transactions for an international clientele.” “Barry Sookman has a wealth of experience in tech. he excels in transactions.” Barry Sookman “brings experience and quality to the table and is a pleasure to learn from.” “Barry Sookman is quick to spot monetisation opportunities.”
Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Patent 1000: Recommended – Patents (Transactions)
Barry Sookman is a Toronto-based copyright and intellectual property lawyer and litigator. He offers expert advice and representation in copyright, IP and AI disputes.