Matthew Cook
Biography
Matthew is a commercial lawyer in Baker McKenzie's Toronto office, advising clients across a broad spectrum of legal and regulatory challenges. He joined Baker McKenzie in 2022 after practicing at a leading multinational firm, and holds a JD from the University of Toronto.
Matthew works with both established and emerging businesses to navigate complex commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk management. His practice encompasses drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, advising on corporate transactions, and supporting clients through all stages of business growth and transformation.
With a particular focus on technology-driven industries, Matthew brings specialized expertise in intellectual property, fintech, records retention, and privacy law. He regularly assists clients with the protection and commercialization of technology and data assets, including structuring licensing arrangements, managing regulatory and privacy compliance, and advising on the legal aspects of digital transformation and innovation. Matthew’s experience spans a range of sectors, from heavily regulated industries such as financial services and biotechnology to dynamic fields including social media and emerging tech, enabling him to provide practical, business-oriented solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Matthew is recognized for his ability to integrate legal strategy with commercial objectives, helping clients leverage their intellectual property, technology, and data to drive growth while mitigating risk. He is committed to supporting clients in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, ensuring their operations remain agile, compliant, and positioned for success.
Representative Legal Matters
- Advises on the implementation of novel and emerging technology in Canada, including in relation to virtual reality, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, electronic vehicles, social media offerings and home security.
- Managed a financial regulatory review project assessing compliance requirements for a large multinational bank across several jurisdictions worldwide.
- Manages several international trademark portfolios with brand protection in over 150 jurisdictions.
- Manages several global data governance and retention schedules for large international companies.
- Assisted with assessing reporting obligations in relation to data privacy breach impacting government data.
- Provided legal guidance on government procurement, including advising on compliance with public sector bidding requirements, negotiating supply and service agreements, and supporting clients through contract administration and regulatory review for major commercial projects.
- Advised in the acquisition of a biotechnology company focusing on short-acting psychedelics with therapy for treatment of medical health conditions.
- Advised in the acquisition of a Canadian gaming company by a large international gaming company.
- Advised in the acquisition of a business management software company in the renewable energy industry.
- Advised in the acquisition of an emerging biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing non-hallucinogenic psychedelics to treat neuro-psychological and neurological disorders.
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Law Society of Ontario – Member
- Canadian Bar Association – Member
- Ontario Bar Association – Member
- College of Patent Agents & Trademark Agents – Trademark Agent
Admissions
- Ontario~Canada (2021)
Education
- University of Toronto (J.D.) (2020)
- Queen's University (B.A.) (2017)
Languages
- English