Atty. Michael Shortt
Michael Shortt is a partner at Fasken’s Montreal office, where he practices as a lawyer and trademark agent. His practice focuses on both litigation and transactional work, with an emphasis on the videogame and life science industries.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice & More Attorney · Serving Montreal, QC · 12+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael Shortt at a Glance
Michael Shortt is a real estate, ip, and internet attorney based in Montreal, Quebec, practicing at Fasken. They have 12+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2014. Admitted to practice in Quebec, Barreau du Québec (2014). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Communications Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law (2026). Serves clients in Montreal, QC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael Shortt
- Michael Shortt is a partner at Fasken’s Montreal office, where he practices as a lawyer and trademark agent
- His practice focuses on both litigation and transactional work, with an emphasis on the videogame and life science industries
- A member of the Québec and Ontario bars, he advises clients on common-law, civil-law, and federal matters
- As a litigator, Michael represents clients in intellectual property, commercial, and public law disputes
- He has represented clients before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, the Ontario and Québec superior courts, and the Copyright Board
- His litigation philosophy is based on obtaining cost-effective results through creative legal arguments
- Michael clerked at the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Quebec Superior Court, and worked as a research assistant for a well-known commercial arbitrator, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to litigation and advocacy
- In his transactional work, Michael drafts and negotiates a range of commercial contracts, including intellectual property licences, service agreements, consumer contracts, confidentiality agreements (NDAs), and videogame publishing contracts
- As a trademark agent, Michael assists clients in obtaining trade-mark registrations in Canada and manages their global trademark portfolios
- His trade-mark practice covers a broad array of industries, including software, videogames, and consumer goods ranging from pharmaceuticals, to food, to fashion
- Michael co-founded the firm’s videogame industry group and works for videogame development studios and publishers of all sizes
- He reviews, negotiates, and drafts contracts in the videogame industry, as well as providing compliance advice for consumer protection law, language laws, and other regulatory issues
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Shortt's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Shortt handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Montreal.
Real Estate Law in Montreal
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Michael Shortt is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Quebec →
Intellectual Property in Montreal
IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.
Michael Shortt is one of 105,285 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Quebec →
Internet & Cyber Law in Montreal
Internet and cyber lawyers for data breaches, online defamation, privacy law, and cybersecurity matters.
Michael Shortt is one of 17,826 internet attorneys indexed nationally. Browse internet attorneys in Quebec →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Montreal
Practicing law in Quebec. Legal matters in Quebec are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Montreal are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Quebec state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Quebec brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Quebec courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Montreal Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Montreal-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Quebec attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Montreal or all attorneys in Quebec.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Michael Shortt
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Montreal Choose Michael Shortt
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael Shortt's practice in the field of real estate, ip, and internet.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael Shortt brings 12+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering real estate, ip, and internet, Michael Shortt can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Montreal
A Montreal-based practice means Michael Shortt attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael Shortt Handles in Montreal
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Shortt has experience with under Quebec law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Shortt directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael Shortt Online
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Michael Shortt's Practice Areas & Specializations
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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