About F. John Durdan

John Durdan's corporate practice runs along two tracks: technology law and securities. A partner in Gowling WLG's Waterloo Region office and part of the firm's Tech Group, Durdan helps tech companies sort out how they license and distribute what they build, from SaaS and cloud arrangements to reseller deals and outsourcing. Businesses outside the tech world come with their own IT licensing and outsourcing questions too.

On the securities side, the work spans public equity, private equity and debt financings, stock option plans, and mergers and acquisitions, cross-border deals between Canada and the U.S. among them. Durdan's experience also takes in bank operating and term loans.

Law wasn't the first career. Durdan worked in Toronto as an investment banker at a global bank before turning to it, and holds a commerce degree from Queen's along with an LLB from the University of Toronto. The call to the Ontario bar came in 1995.

Away from client files, Durdan sits on the board of THEMUSEUM of Idea Transcending Objects, serving on its executive committee and as corporate secretary. Fellow lawyers have taken note as well: Best Lawyers has recognized Durdan since 2025 for corporate law, mergers and acquisitions law and technology law.

Practice areas

Technology & Startups Business & Corporate Law

Technology licensing and distribution

Durdan advises technology companies on licensing and distribution, including SaaS and cloud deals, development and reseller agreements, and outsourcing. Non-tech clients also get help with their information technology licensing and outsourcing.

Securities and financings

Securities work covering public equity offerings, private equity and debt financings, and stock option plans.

Mergers and acquisitions

Domestic and international M&A, including transactions that cross the Canada and U.S. border.

Education & credentials

  • LLB, University of Toronto (1993)
  • BComm, Queen's University (1988)
  • Called to the Ontario bar (1995)

Awards & recognition

Publications & speaking

  • Report on the Transaction Costs of a Decentralized System of Securities Regulation (drafting contributor), Standing Senate Committee on Bank, Trade and Commerce
  • Rowley & Baker International Mergers: The Antitrust Process (editing assistance)

Memberships & affiliations

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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 F. John Durdan’s licence and standing in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗

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