Michael’s practice is focused on technology, AI, electric and autonomous vehicles, government procurement and funding, digital and AI policy, and privacy compliance. He is a thought leader and leading practitioner in each of these areas and is recognized in all major peer rankings.
As a trusted advisor, Michael has extensive experience advising on complex tech transactions and AI projects, outsourcing, and energy transition matters. He represents industry leading and emerging AI companies, software publishers, hardware manufacturers, online vendors, automative and battery manufacturers, and other technology-focused enterprises.
Representative Work
- Advising SK On in connection with an $1.2 billion investment with Ford and EcoPro BM in the Province of Québec
- Advising General Motors Co. in its $1 billion investment project with POSCO Future M
- Advising Microsoft on AI, IP, controlled goods, contract security, procurement and commercial contracting issues in support of the sale of technology and services to the Government of Canada.
- Advising technology companies, including Microsoft and General Motors, on policy and compliance issues regarding AI, privacy, digital and IP policy, including in respect of various federal and provincial bills and laws.
- Advising multiple health tech providers on the development and distribution in Canada of AI-enabled products.
- Advising multiple clients in the electric mobility sector on regulatory and commercial issues, including in respect of off-take agreements, government funding and connected vehicles.
- Advising Microsoft in its acquisition of 20+ Canadian technology companies
- Global and emerging manufacturers and technology companies on federal and provincial funding, including under the Strategic Investment Fund
- Leading manufacturer on the regulation of autonomous vehicles in Canada
- Represented service providers in the negotiation of major onshore and offshore outsourcing transactions
- Represented service providers in complex systems integration design, build and integrate projects
- Negotiated complex strategic alliance arrangements between large participants in the technology sector
- Negotiated complex third party logistics services arrangements in the health care sector
- Represented online services providers in addressing cross-border data issues with public sector customers
- Advised clients on numerous government procurement projects, including complex licensing and integration projects and procurement reform initiatives
- Addressed complex open source software and other IP/IT issues in acquisitions of technology assets and technology companies
- Addressed new media, IP, privacy and e-commerce issues in the delivery of online services and cloud computing
- Advising multiple clients in the electric mobility sector on regulatory and commercial issues, including in respect of off-take agreements, government funding and connected vehicles.
- Advising Microsoft in its acquisition of 20+ Canadian technology companies
- Global and emerging manufacturers and technology companies on federal and provincial funding, including under the Strategic Investment Fund
- Leading manufacturer on the regulation of autonomous vehicles in Canada
- Represented service providers in the negotiation of major onshore and offshore outsourcing transactions
- Represented service providers in complex systems integration design, build and integrate projects
- Negotiated complex strategic alliance arrangements between large participants in the technology sector
- Negotiated complex third party logistics services arrangements in the health care sector
- Represented online services providers in addressing cross-border data issues with public sector customers
- Advised clients on numerous government procurement projects, including complex licensing and integration projects and procurement reform initiatives
- Addressed complex open source software and other IP/IT issues in acquisitions of technology assets and technology companies
- Addressed new media, IP, privacy and e-commerce issues in the delivery of online services and cloud computing
Latest Insights
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Osler Update Feb 3, 2025
Québec adopts its regulation prohibiting motor vehicles and internal combustion engines by 2035
On December 16, 2024, Québec adopted the Regulation prescribing certain prohibitions as regards motor vehicles and internal combustion engines (the...
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Report Dec 5, 2024
Overcoming infrastructure challenges critical to Canada’s EV ambition
A lack of adequate public EV-charging infrastructure in Canada is a leading obstacle to electric vehicle adoption.
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Osler Update Jun 28, 2024
Canada introduces sweeping bill to mandate tech and data interoperability in healthcare
On June 6, 2024, the federal Minister of Health introduced Bill C-72 — An Act respecting the interoperability of health information technology and...
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Osler Update May 31, 2024
Updated Ineligibility and Suspension Policy creates significant new compliance challenges for suppliers to Government of Canada
Selling goods and services to the Government of Canada just became more challenging. Effective today (May 31, 2024), participants in most new...
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Awards and Recognition
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Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business: Recognized in Information Technology
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Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Business Lawyers: Recognized in Information Technology
- “…[Michael] really cares about his clients and provides thoughtful and considered advice.”
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The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory: Recognized in Computer & IT Law; Technology Transactions; Data Protection & Privacy
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Best Lawyers in Canada: Recognized in Information Technology Law, Technology Law, and Privacy and Data Security Law
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Legal 500: Recognized in Technology Law
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Who’s Who Legal: Recognized in International – Data – Data Privacy & Protection, Telecommunications Media & Technology; Canada – Data; Government – Government Contracts
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Thomson Reuters: “Stand-out Lawyer”
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Lexpert Special Edition: Recognized in Technology and Health Sciences
Media Mentions
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Osler News Jun 29, 2023
29 Osler lawyers recognized in Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health 2023
Congratulations to 29 of our lawyers for their inclusion in the Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health 2023.
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Osler News Jun 15, 2022
28 Osler lawyers recognized by Lexpert as leaders in Technology and Health Sciences
The Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health Sciences 2022 recognizes 28 Osler lawyers as leaders.
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Osler News May 28, 2021
Osler undertakes legal innovation — Microsoft Business of Law Podcast
Osler’s Michael Fekete and Jennifer Thompson were recent guests on the Microsoft Business of Law Podcast and spoke with Candice Carr, senior...
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Osler News Feb 19, 2021
Lexpert recognizes 21 Osler lawyers as technology leaders
Osler is pleased to announce 21 of our lawyers have been recognized as leading lawyers in the Lexpert Special Edition: Technology 2021.
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Community Involvement
- Give A Day for World AIDS, Co-Chair of legal community fundraising campaign in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Dignitas International (2006-Present)
Speaking and Writing
Speaking Engagements
Microsoft’s Business of Law Podcast – May 21, 2021
Credentials
Education
- University of British Columbia, LL.B.
- Carleton University, B.A.
Languages
- English
Professional Affiliations
- TECHNATION
- IT/Can Law Association
- Canadian Bar Association