About Alex Ross

Alex Ross helps inventors and businesses across the Golden Horseshoe protect what they've built. Based in Gowling WLG's Hamilton office, Alex is a partner and a registered Canadian patent agent whose clients range from early startups to multinationals. The work touches every branch of IP, from patents and trademarks to copyright and industrial designs, with a lot of it centred on Hamilton and Niagara.

Alex came to patent law from engineering, adding a law degree, an Ontario call and patent agent registration to an industrial engineering background. Before joining Gowling Lafleur Henderson, Alex worked in-house as a senior IP attorney at IBM Canada. Alex joined Gowling Lafleur Henderson as an associate in 2008 and became a partner there in 2012.

Software is one of the trickier areas to patent, since the rules on which computer-related inventions qualify keep changing. Alex helps clients get software and computer-related patent protection under those shifting rules. Mechanical inventions are the other big focus, fitness equipment included. Alex also has a soft spot for how copyright and trademark law play out for software makers and comic book creators, and teaches a seminar for comic creators at Fan Expo Canada.

Alex works with both Innovate Niagara and Hamilton's Innovation Factory. Outside the office, Alex competes in masters physique bodybuilding, has taken first place at OPA and CPA regional shows, and has competed nationally.

Practice areas

Intellectual Property

Patent drafting, prosecution and opinions

Alex prepares and prosecutes patent applications, gives opinions on whether a patent is valid or infringed, and helps clients plan patent strategy. Much of this work involves mechanical devices and computer and information technology.

Software and computer patents

For clients with software or computer-related inventions, Alex works through shifting eligibility requirements to find a route to protection.

Copyright and trademarks for creative and tech businesses

Alex takes a particular interest in how copyright and trademark law apply to computer software and comic books, alongside trademark and industrial design work for clients generally.

Education & credentials

  • BASc, Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto (1999)
  • LLB, Osgoode Hall Law School (2002)
  • Called to the Ontario bar (2003)
  • Registered Patent Agent (2004)

Publications & speaking

In the community

  • Alex has taught business law at Wilfrid Laurier University and business law and information technology law at Ryerson University's Chang School.
  • In 2020 Alex joined the mentor team at The Clinic, where mentors give resident teams advice on health innovation projects and milestones.

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This listing was generated by AI from public sources in October 2026. It may contain errors, and we can’t guarantee it’s accurate or complete. Before you rely on anything here, verify it on their firm’s website. Confirm Alex Ross’s licence and standing in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗

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