Canada: Life Sciences
With its innovative research and profitable health-care market, Canada is home to the third-largest number of biopharma firms in the world and is a focal point for the life sciences sector. Clients require their lawyers to have a broad range of expertise covering IP, product liability, regulation, litigation and commercial contracts and our research uncovers 35 market leaders in this field.
Norton Rose OR LLP fields the largest contingent of any firm with six lawyers ranking highly in our research. Head of the firm’s pharmaceuticals and life sciences group Patrick Kierans is a “leading light” with extensive experience in intellectual property, in particular in litigation involving cutting-edge pharmaceutical products. Penny Bonner chairs the Canadian life sciences team and is “one of the best” according to our research. She is best known for her analysis of regulatory changes and her experience with regulatory agencies, such as the health products and food branch of the Canadian Department of Health. William McNamara is a “brilliant litigator” with expertise in defending product liability class actions and has appeared before all levels of courts in Ontario and Quebec as well as the federal court of Canada and the federal court of appeal. Judith Robinson focuses on all areas of intellectual property law with particular “proficiency” in litigation. Brian Daley is chair of the Montreal intellectual property group and advises clients on drug regulation and Brian Gray is “a class act” with experience in brand name pharmaceutical patent litigation.
At Torys LLP, five lawyers are selected for their outstanding abilities. Head of the technology and life sciences group Cheryl Reicin is “highly sought after” and focuses on biotechnology and medical device companies. Eileen McMahon is co-chair of the intellectual property and food and drug regulatory practices and her “first rate” practice is exclusive to these fields. Andrew Shaughnessy is an “excellent” intellectual property litigator and he represents clients in complex patent and trademark infringement cases. Conor McCourt is co-chair of the IP group and is “highly regarded” for his work in the chemical, biochemical and pharmaceutical patent, trademark and regulatory fields. Ingrid VanderElst focuses on pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device matters in addition to advising clients looking to invest in biotech companies.
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP sees four of its lawyers listed. Anthony Creber’s main focus is chemical and pharmaceutical patent litigation and he is considered a “first rate” litigator. Jane Steinberg has over 30 years experience in both contentious and non-contentious IP matters and Mary Thomson, head of the advocacy group in Toronto and national leader of the firm’s product liability practice, is a “brilliant name” for pharma litigation. William Vanveen is “very well respected” for his competition law expertise related to the pharmaceutical industry and has acted for clients such as Eli Lilly and Pfizer.
Gunars Gaikis at Smart & Biggar/Fetherstonhaugh primarily represents patentees in the pharmaceutical industry and is a “pre-eminent” lawyer in the field. Joy Morrow has focused on life sciences related IP law for over 30 years and her “impressive” client list encompasses pharmaceutical companies as well as universities, hospitals and research institutes. Christopher Robinson has an “outstanding reputation” for patent procurement.
Gordon McKee at Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP is “internationally renowned” and specialises in class action suits and product liability claims including complex cross-border and multijurisdictional issues. Elizabeth McNaughton’s practice covers laws pertaining to food, drug, cosmetic and medical device law and she assists major multinational corporations in their advertising and marketing of goods and services.
Goodmans LLP has two lawyers selected for inclusion. Harry Radomski is a “very highly nominated” individual and chairs the firm’s IP litigation group. He has a “very active” practice and regularly appears before all levels of courts including the Supreme Court of Canada. Andrew Brodkin chairs the firm’s litigation group and he has considerable experience representing pharmaceutical clients regarding IP and trademark matters.
At Lavery de Billy LLP, Jean Saint-Onge is a “highly respected” litigator practising in the fields of class action, product liability and competition law. Philippe Frère is “vastly experienced” in pharmacy law and advises on regulations relating to drugs marketing and distribution and insurance coverage.
Scott Maidment at McMillan LLP is co-chair of both the firm’s national class action practice and product liability group and is “highly regarded” for his product liability defence and class action litigation in the life sciences sector. Also at the firm, Donald MacOdrum is a “talented” litigator and has acted as counsel in IP actions in fields including pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
At Baker & McKenzie, William Richardson specialises in IP, patents, trademark and copyright litigation and frequently represents clients in the pharmaceutical industry.
Carol Hitchman at Gardiner Roberts LLP is a “top tier” litigator specialising in IP and has appeared before all levels of the courts including the Supreme Court of Canada.
At Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Glenn Zakaib is “among the best” for product liability litigation and class action proceedings and has been involved in precedent setting cases.
Marguerite Ethier at Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP is an “outstanding” IP and life sciences litigator and Philip Spencer QC at Life Sciences Counsel has a “long-standing reputation” in the field and focuses on emerging and growing life sciences companies advising on regulatory matters.
Head of Bereskin & Parr LLP’s litigation practice, Robert MacFarlane is a recognised leading expert in patent and trademark cases. Jonathan Stainsby at Heenan Blaikie LLP leads the firm’s IP litigation team and represents clients in complex IP matters.
At McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Andrew Reddon is chair of the firm’s national IP litigation group and his particular focus is on pharmaceutical patents with experience in major patent infringement cases while David Aitken at Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP has a “great reputation” for prosecuting patent applications.