Smart & Biggar achieves Band 1 rankings for IP and IP Litigation with nine lawyers ranked across five practice areas in the 2025 Chambers Canada Guide

Smart & Biggar is proud to announce our top-tier ranking as a Band 1 firm for both Intellectual Property (IP) and IP Litigation in the 2025 Chambers Canada Guide. Additionally, the firm earned a ranking in Life Sciences.

Smart & Biggar saw five lawyers ranked in IP Litigation, and was recognized for its service to clients in a “diverse range of sectors, including telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and the media industry, and has an impressive portfolio of clients in e-commerce and technology.” Clients commented that our IP litigators: “…provide great insights, with very articulate and timely action and clear, concise strategy.”

For Intellectual Property, three lawyers were ranked for their expertise and success in IP prosecution and non-contentious matters. Researchers noted that the firm “maintains an impressive IP development service.” Commentators stated  that “the firm has a really good breadth of knowledge and bench strength [and] a comprehensive and deep knowledge of IP law in the country.” Ours teams were described as “very responsive and able to work under tight timelines [and] have a firm grasp on all patent-related matters.”

For Life Sciences, the firm was praised for its impressive range of clients, including those active in the cannabis and agribusiness sectors. Researchers noted that “with patent expertise sought after by pharmaceutical and biotech companies big and small, the law firm has significant experience representing clients in complex patent infringement cases, as well as portfolio management and prosecution. It also maintains a well-regarded regulatory practice, advising on product licensing, advertising, commercialisation and compliance with regulatory regimes.” Clients commented that our Life Sciences team are: “A high-quality team [with] lawyers [who] provide reactive service and analysis’ They also noted that ‘the firm is well-balanced and has a breadth of experience both in prosecution and litigation matters.”

Congratulations to all our Chambers ranked lawyers who are recognized across five practice areas:

Intellectual Property

Christian Bolduc: “Christian impresses for his work across a broad array of trademark mandates, spanning procurement, prosecution and transactions.”

Mark Evans: ranked in Band 1, Mark advises and represents clients in significant IP prosecution mandates. Chambers commented, “he has an excellent reputation in the field of trademarks, where he services major sporting and consumer product brands.” Commentators added “Mark is a really great trade mark lawyer.”

Daphne Lainson: Chambers commented, “Daphne possesses significant experience advising major pharmaceutical clients on patent filing, strategy and portfolio management.” Commentators added “Daphne is particularly strong in patent prosecution and portfolio development matters.”

Intellectual Property: Litigation

Steven Garland: Chambers commented, “Steven Garland remains a prominent presence in intellectual property work in Canada. A qualified patent and trademark attorney, he represents significant clients in the energy, chemical and technology sectors.”

François Guay: ranked in Band 1, Chambers commented, “François is a highly experienced litigator who is particularly well regarded for his expertise in trademark disputes and infringement cases. He has acted for major clients in recreational products, pharmaceuticals and telecoms.” A client added, “François is a pleasure to work with. He offers a high level of legal intellect, deep awareness of patent law and extensive relevant experience.”

Sheldon Hamilton: Chambers commented, “Sheldon represents major pharmaceutical companies in complex patent litigation.” Commentators added, “Sheldon is a very practical litigator.”

Yoon Kang: Chambers commented, Yoon is “a reputable lawyer who is notably active in patent litigation mandates in the pharmaceutical section.” A client added, “Yoon is very practical and comes up with creative arguments.”

Nancy Pei: Chambers commented, “Nancy represents [pharmaceutical] clients in significant patent-related disputes. A qualified and registered pharmacist, she is a particularly notable advocate for major pharmaceutical companies.” A client added, “Nancy is extremely detail-oriented.”

Advertising & Marketing, Cannabis Law, Life Sciences: Regulatory/Compliance

Alice Tseng: ranked in Band 1, Chambers commented, “Alice maintains a market-leading regulatory practice in the life sciences sector, advising on matters ranging from licensing and commercialisation of products to advertising and issues of privacy.” Alice also frequently provides regulatory counsel to clients in the cannabis sector and advises clients on labelling, advertising, regulatory and compliance issues.

Chambers and Partners have long recognized Smart & Biggar as a leader in Canadian IP law and related practice areas. We are proud to have earned this recognition through the trusted recommendations of our clients and peers, in reflection of the outstanding results and strategic counsel delivered by our leading IP practitioners.