How much does it cost to hire Francois for a copyright case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Francois walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Francois offer a free consultation?

Francois charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francois's office. Some copyright attorneys offer free consults — check Francois's current terms during booking.

How long do copyright cases in this state typically take?

Simple copyright matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Francois gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Francois take my case if I'm outside the area?

Francois evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Francois's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Francois?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Francois will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Francois accepting new copyright clients right now?

Francois's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Francois Guay, Copyright Attorney in the United States

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Copyright, Criminal Defense, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Partner, Montreal; Barrister and SolicitoratSmart & Biggar

Practicing copyright since 1982.

44+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Are you Francois Guay?

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Quick answer

Francois Guay is a partner, montreal; barrister and solicitor based in Montreal, QC. The practice focuses on Copyright, Criminal Defense, and General. Francois has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smart & Biggar. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Montreal, QC
Experience: over 44 years
Known for: Copyright · Criminal Defense · General

Handles Copyright, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Montreal, QC.
Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Francois's practice areas in the U.S.

Francois concentrates on copyright, criminal defense, general, internet, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Francois handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Copyright cases nationwide

Francois takes copyright matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Francois agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases nationwide

Francois takes criminal defense matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Francois agrees to represent you.

General cases nationwide

Francois takes general matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Francois agrees to represent you.

Internet cases nationwide

Francois takes internet matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Francois agrees to represent you.

IP cases nationwide

Francois takes ip matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Francois agrees to represent you.

Biography

Francois Guay, copyright attorney serving the U.S.

Francois Guay is a lawyer practicing litigation, ip management & strategic counselling, industrial/mechanical and 6 other areas of law. Francois has been licensed for 44 years. Francois practices at Smart & Biggar in Montreal, QC.

Francois's approach to copyright cases

Clients Francois works with

Francois reviews new inquiries case-by-case for copyright, criminal defense, and general matters in the United States.

Credentials

Credentials — where Francois studied and practices

Université de Montréal
LL.L. · 1981

Jurisdictions

Francois's state bar admissions

Registered Trade-mar
1983 · ACTIVE
Quebec
1982 · ACTIVE

Francois studied at LL.L. in Université de Montréal.

Law school and academic background

Francois completed LL.L. in Université de Montréal. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Francois runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Francois's legal honors and published work

Francois has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Francois's professional memberships and bar associations

Intellectual Property Institute of Canada •Member, International Trademark Association •Member, International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) •Member, European Communities Trade Mark Association •Member, International Leagu
bar_fellowship

Locations

Francois Guay's office in Montreal

Francois's primary office is at Suite 3300, 1000 De La Gauchetière Street West, Montreal, QC, M5G 2K8. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smart & Biggar

Suite 3300, 1000 De La Gauchetière Street West

Montreal, QC M5G 2K8

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Francois Guay — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Francois. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing copyright attorneys in your area.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Francois Guay claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Francois Guay — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new copyright attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Francois usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Francois charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francois's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Francois will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a copyright attorney in your state

A short list to run through before you commit: How many copyright matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Francois

Francois discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in copyright practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every copyright matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Francois confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Francois's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many copyright practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Francois Guay

How much does it cost to hire Francois for a copyright case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Francois walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Francois offer a free consultation?
Francois charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francois's office. Some copyright attorneys offer free consults — check Francois's current terms during booking.
How long do copyright cases in this state typically take?
Simple copyright matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Francois gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Francois take my case if I'm outside the area?
Francois evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Francois's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Francois?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Francois will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Francois accepting new copyright clients right now?
Francois's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.