Smart & Biggar earns top rank for Intellectual Property in Chambers Canada with seven lawyers ranked for IP Litigation, Life Sciences and Cannabis
Smart & Biggar, Canada’s leading firm for intellectual property law, has once again earned top rank as a Band 1 firm for Intellectual Property (IP) in the 2022 Chambers Canada Guide. In addition to IP, the firm earned rankings in IP Litigation and Life Sciences with leading lawyers ranked in each of these categories, and for Cannabis law.
In Chambers’ review of Smart & Biggar’s Intellectual Property practice, they describe the firm as “a well-established IP and innovation boutique that maintains an impressive IP development service” that is well known for “assisting high-profile clients with issues ranging from licensing and marketing to enforcement and litigation”.
In the area of IP Litigation, three lawyers were ranked for their expertise and success in IP enforcement and contentious matters. Researchers noted the firm is “reputed for its bench strength and quality representation” and for it’s “proven skill in patent and trademark litigation as well as a substantial range of commercial IP matters”.
“You cannot go wrong with Smart & Biggar, [for IP] prosecution or litigation, their depth of expertise is impressive and top names abound in every area.” The firm is “reputed for its bench strength and quality representation” and for it’s “proven skill in patent and trademark litigation as well as a substantial range of commercial IP matters.”
Commentators enthused “You cannot go wrong with Smart & Biggar,” adding: “Prosecution or litigation, their depth of expertise is impressive and top names abound in every area”, while another commented “I always have the impression that the team is exceptionally organized,” adding: “they are exceptional at explaining what's required of us and supporting us.” Said another client of the firm “The benefit of Smart & Biggar is that they are very efficient and practical, and they have a good view of both our business needs and industry developments generally”.
For Life Sciences the firm was praised for its impressive range of clients, including those active in the cannabis and agribusiness sectors. Chambers highlighted that Smart & Biggar is “sought after for its patent expertise by pharmaceutical and biotech companies big and small”. Commentators noted "They have lots of individuals from different backgrounds" including "internal licensing expertise and a very strong litigation department" with “significant experience representing clients in complex patent infringement cases, as well as portfolio management and prosecution.” Reviewers also noted the firm has “a well-regarded regulatory practice, advising on product licensing, advertising, commercialization and compliance with regulatory regimes”.
Congratulations to all of our Chambers Ranked Lawyers:
Christian Bolduc – Intellectual Property
“Christian impresses for his work across a broad array of trademark mandates, spanning procurement, prosecution and transactions.” “Christian Bolduc provides practical advice and is very strategic in his approach.” “He is a great lawyer.”
Mark Evans – Intellectual Property
“Mark advises and represents clients in significant IP prosecution mandates.” “He has an excellent reputation in the field of trademarks, where he services major sporting and consumer product brands.” “Mark Evans is an excellent practitioner.”
Daphne Lainson – Intellectual Property
“Frequently acts for the firm's major pharmaceutical clients, advising on patent applications and strategy, as well as providing support with global portfolio management.” “She has assisted us with some very complicated issues, and we are fortunate to have her guidance and insights.” “Daphne Lainson's knowledge of Canadian IP law is outstanding.”
Gunars Gaikis - Intellectual Property: Litigation
“A highly experienced intellectual property litigator, recognized for his impressive reputation as an expert patent authority, particularly in the area of life sciences.” “He is an exceptionally established and recognized authority on IP.”
Steven Garland - Intellectual Property: Litigation
“Is a prominent presence in intellectual property work in Canada.” “He is a very persuasive litigator and an excellent strategic thinker. Steven Garland is an excellent lawyer.”
François Guay - Intellectual Property: Litigation
“A highly experienced litigator who is particularly well regarded for his expertise in trademark disputes and infringement cases.” “François Guay is a great litigator and at the top of his game.”
Alice Tseng - Life Sciences: Regulatory/Compliance, Cannabis Law
“Alice maintains a market-leading regulatory practice in the life sciences sector, advising on matters ranging from licensing and commercialization of products to advertising and issues of privacy.” “Alice is very solution-oriented and is a real expert in the field.” “She is very thorough and thoughtful, and she will often expand her advice beyond my question to highlight major commercial issues I need to consider.”
Alice also frequently provides regulatory counsel to clients in the cannabis sector. “She is sharp as a razor blade.” “She's a great lawyer and heavily involved.”
Chambers and Partners, often referred to as ‘the gold-standard’, delivers insight and analysis on the global legal profession that is unrivalled in its reach and depth. Smart & Biggar has long been recognized by Chambers and Partners as a leader in Canadian IP law and related practice areas.
Smart & Biggar is Canada's largest firm practising exclusively in intellectual property and technology law, with offices in Ottawa, Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Calgary. As leaders in intellectual property and technology law Smart & Biggar has been serving clients for over a century.