Background

Christopher Toal is a senior associate in our Waterloo Region office.  Chris graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1999.

Prior to obtaining his law degree, Chris received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Engineering from Queen’s University, and worked as a consulting engineer in the United States and Canada.  Chris speaks some French and Spanish, and has also worked overseas.

Areas of Practice

• Chris practices corporate and commercial law, with a focus on technology law and mergers and acquisitions.
• Chris is the Waterloo Region Contact for BLG’s Advertising and Sponsorship Group and is also the Toronto and Waterloo Region Contacts for BLG’s Franchise and Distribution Group.

Professional Experience

• Having a strong background in science and engineering, Chris works closely with the professionals in our Intellectual Property Group, and advises technology based businesses (from start-ups to mature companies) on the commercial aspects of technology law, including the licensing and acquisition of patents, software and trademarks, technology development and  strategic alliances, international supply and distribution arrangements, software and website development, e commerce and internet related agreements.
• Acted on both public and private company merger and acquisition transactions in a variety of industries including aerospace, robotics, software, communications, construction, food and natural resources.
• Advises both franchisors and franchisees on matters concerning Ontario franchise laws, including disclosure obligations and issues relating to franchise and distribution agreements.
• Advises on a wide variety of sponsorship agreements, including event and venue based sponsorships.
• Seconded in-house to one of BLG’s major clients in the food distribution industry.

Professional and Community Activities

• Member of the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association and Waterloo Law Association.
• Actively involved in the 'BLG Reads to Kids' program, reading to children at a Kitchener elementary school.
• Member of the Region of Waterloo’s Water Efficiency Advisory Council (representing the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce).