John C. Cotter, a Partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Toronto, has been appointed as an associate judge of the Federal Court.
David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, expressed his confidence in Justice Cotter, wishing him success in his new role and stating, “I am confident he will serve Canadians well as a member of the Federal Court.”
Justice Cotter, originally from North Bay, Ont., completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Western Ontario, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics in 1980. He continued his legal education at the University of Windsor, obtaining an LL.B. in 1986.
After articling at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Toronto, Justice Cotter was called to the Ontario bar in 1988 and remained with the firm as an associate lawyer before eventually becoming a partner. With a career spanning several years, Justice Cotter gained extensive experience in general litigation and specialized in intellectual property disputes.
He has represented clients before various courts and tribunals, making him well-versed in a wide range of legal matters.
Justice Cotter actively contributed to the National Intellectual Property Section of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA-IP Section) and the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada.
He served in various roles within these organizations, including Chair of the CBA-IP Section’s Professional Development Committee and as a member of the Section Executive. Additionally, he frequently delivered presentations and authored articles on intellectual property topics, showcasing his expertise in copyright and trademark matters.
The appointment of Justice Cotter is a significant addition to the Federal Court and highlights the ongoing commitment of the Canadian government to appoint highly qualified jurists who reflect the diverse population they serve.
