John Yiokaris
Partner
John leads our firm’s Automotive Sector practice, drawing on his considerable experience working as lead counsel for several of Canada’s largest automotive manufacturers and numerous dealers. In addition to handling dealer development matters, he has extensive experience in acting in automobile dealership disputes and in proceedings under the National Automobile Dealer Arbitration Program. John is also the Head of our Trademark practice and has extensive knowledge of intellectual property issues, including, the registering and licensing of trademarks. He is also a leading franchise practitioner in the restaurant, grocery, hotel, real estate and professional services sectors, advising businesses at every stage of franchising system development. John has particular expertise in the work out of distressed franchisees and in structuring transfers in the best interests of the franchise system. A significant portion of John’s practice is dedicated to providing strategic commercial advice on complex franchise defaults and disputes, enforcements, and terminations. John serves as co-managing partner of our firm.
John is proficient in Greek and Swedish.
More About John
My focus has always been to help my clients achieve their goals and add value to everything I do. It always starts with gaining a thorough understanding of my client’s business and their strategic objectives; that insight allows me to use my expertise to solve their issues in a practical and efficient manner.
I work closely with all of my clients – yes, being responsive and understanding are a must, but it also means that I become a trusted partner to my clients, especially as they seize opportunities and resolve challenges. United. Fierce. Resolute.
Ontario, 2000
Masters of International and Comparative Law (Magna Cum Laude), Stockholm University, 2000
Registered Trademark Agent
Certified Franchise Executive
- Awarded the Lexology 2019 Client Choice Award for Franchising in Ontario
- Ranked in Chambers Canada – Franchising (2019 – 2025)
- Consistently listed in Best Lawyers in Canada – Franchise Law (2015 – 2025)
- Listed in Best Lawyers in Canada – Corporate Law (2024 – 2025)
- Recognized in Best Lawyers Global Business Edition (2016 – 2023)
- Listed as “Consistently Recommended” in Canadian Legal LEXPERT Directory – Franchise (2013 – 2024)
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal Canada: Franchise (2013 – 2023)
- Listed in Who’s Who Legal Global Guide – Franchise (2021 – 2023)
- Inducted into the “Hall of Fame – 2022” by Franchise Times Magazine
- Named “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times Magazine (2013 – 2024)
- Canadian Bar Association
- Law Society of Ontario
- College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents
- Canadian Franchise Association
- International Franchise Association
- Executive Member, Legal and Legislative Committee of the Canadian Franchise Association (current)
- American Bar Association – Forum on Franchising
- Intellectual Property Institute of Canada
- Honorary Director, Hellenic Canadian Lawyers’ Association