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Summarize
Sébastien Gittens understands the need to provide legal advice in a timely, efficient and pragmatic way. This businesslike philosophy is backed by the first joint Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering awarded by the University of Alberta and a Master's degree in law from Stanford University.

Overview

Sébastien is a technology lawyer and registered trademark agent who advises clients both domestically and internationally on all matters relating to the management and commercialization of intellectual property. His extensive experience includes: (i) negotiating IP aspects of major mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; (ii) licensing IP rights; (iii) creating strategic alliances and joint ventures; and (iv) advising on outsourcing arrangements.

In addition, Sebastien is a Certified Information Privacy Professional for Canada (CIPP/C) who regularly advises on privacy, data protection and information security, including risk identification and management, as well as incident preparedness and response.

He works with clients in a broad range of industries, such as automotive, aviation, energy, biotechnology, financial services, entertainment, pharmaceutical and information technology.

In university, Sébastien earned numerous scholarships and awards, including the John Hart Ely Prize for Outstanding Performance in Law, Science and Technology Colloquium, the Talisman Energy Inc. Undergraduate Scholarship in Law, and the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship.

Sébastien is currently a director of UNICEF Canada as well as the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF). He was also a director of the Westmount Charter School Society and the Calgary International Film Festival Society, and served as the vice-chair of the Calgary Parking Authority.

,,He is very detail-oriented and focused on understanding the client's goals and then trying to dovetail the paper to meet those goals as best as possible. He is very technically skilled and client service-focused.,,

Chambers Canada

Client Work

BioLife Solutions, as Canadian counsel, in its acquisition of PanTHERA CryoSolutions 
Westport Fuel Systems in the sale of its interest in Westport Fuel Systems Italia S.r.l., which includes the Light-Duty segment, for US$73.1 million to a wholly-owned investment vehicle of Heliaca Investments Coöperatief U.A.
Park Lawn Corporation, a funeral, cremation and cemetery provider, in its C$1.2-billion going private transaction involving Viridian Acquisition.
Westport Fuel Systems and its related affiliates (the “Westport Entities”) in establishing a joint venture with Volvo Business Services International AB and its related entities (the “Volvo Group”) to carry on the Westport Entities’ High Pressure Direct Injection business.
SECURE Energy Services Inc. in its $1.075-billion asset sale of waste management facilities pursuant to a divesture order by the Competition Tribunal.
Roquette Frères SA, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical excipients, as Canadian counsel in connection with its acquisition of Qualicaps Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and supplier of capsules and related equipment.

Recognitions & Awards

The Legal 500 Canada

Next Generation Lawyer, Technology
Key Lawyer, Intellectual Property

Acritas Stars

Recognized as an Acritas Star®

IP Stars

Rising Star - Canada

Best Lawyers in Canada

Recognized for Privacy and Data Security Law

WTR 1000 The World's Leading Trademark Professionals

Recognized among the top 1000 Trademark professionals in Prosecution and Strategy 
Recognized among the top 1000 Trademark professionals in Transactions

Education & Bar Admissions

Education

  • University of Alberta, BSc (Pharmacology Specialization), 1999
  • University of Alberta, PhD (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering), 2004
  • University of Calgary, LLB, 2007
  • Stanford University (USA), LLM (Law, Science and Technology), 2009
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional/Canada (CIPP/C)

Bar Admissions

  • Alberta, 2008
  • British Columbia, 2014

Insights

Alberta OIPC Issues Report Regarding Responsible AI GovernanceBlog

Alberta OIPC Issues Report Regarding Responsible AI Governance

August 28, 2025
Stephen D. BurnsJ. Sébastien A. GittensDavid Wainer
Stephen D. Burns, J. Sébastien A. Gittens & David Wainer
AI Notetaking in the Legal and Business ContextBlog

AI Notetaking in the Legal and Business Context: Does It Risk Confidentiality or Privilege?

July 21, 2025
Benjamin K. ReingoldStephen D. BurnsJ. Sébastien A. Gittens
Benjamin K. Reingold, Stephen D. Burns & J. Sébastien A. Gittens
23andMes Data BreachBlog

23andMe's Data Breach: Key Takeaways

June 26, 2025
Stephen D. BurnsRuth E. PromislowJ. Sébastien A. Gittens
& 7 more

News, Events & Speaking Engagements

PlaceholderIn The News

Bennett Jones on PIPEDA and AI in Law Times

February 19, 2020
J. Sébastien A. GittensStephen D. BurnsHyechan (HC) Lee
J. Sébastien A. Gittens, Stephen D. Burns & Hyechan (HC) Lee
PlaceholderSpeaking Engagement

National Compliance Advisory Committee

May 28, 2018
J. Sébastien A. Gittens
J. Sébastien A. Gittens
PlaceholderIn The News

The Lawyer's Daily on New Bennett Jones Partners

April 6, 2018
Drew C. BroughtonEmrys DavisJ. Sébastien A. Gittens
& 6 more