Bereskin & Parr to join Smart & Biggar
IPH Limited, a leading global provider of intellectual property (IP) services, has today announced the acquisition of premier Canadian IP firm, Bereskin & Parr.
Bereskin & Parr will be combining with Smart & Biggar, an existing member of the IPH network, to create one firm operating as Smart & Biggar.
The acquisition further embeds IPH as one of the world’s largest IP services groups in secondary markets.
“We are excited to welcome Bereskin & Parr into our network,” said Dr Andrew Blattman, Managing Director and CEO of IPH.
“This acquisition is our fourth in Canada in two years and will add to our growing presence in the Canadian market.”
“By combining Bereskin & Parr with Smart & Biggar we are creating one larger, more robust firm that we believe will set new standards of excellence in the Canadian IP industry.”
“Smart & Biggar and Bereskin & Parr are complementary businesses in terms of their highly experienced teams, strong heritage and quality clients, and their areas of focus.”
“We are excited to see the Bereskin & Parr business, and its clients and staff, continue as part of Smart & Biggar and the IPH group.”
Bereskin & Parr Managing Partner, Stephen Beney said the combination would provide benefits for both firms, their people and clients.
“Combining forces with Smart & Biggar will ensure the combined firm’s future success in both Canada and internationally,” said Bereskin & Parr founding partner, Dan Bereskin.
Bereskin & Parr Managing Partner, Stephen Beney said, “We have always prided ourselves on delivering first-rate IP services and now, as part of a larger combined firm and with the support of a global network, we can offer our clients even greater value and provide our people with enhanced career opportunities.”
Matthew Zischka, Managing Director of Smart & Biggar, shared similar sentiments: “We are delighted that Bereskin & Parr’s team of leading IP specialists are joining our firm and the IPH network.”
“Bringing together the strengths of both businesses as one firm under Smart & Biggar will give our clients access to a deeper pool of IP expertise.”
“Additionally, Bereskin & Parr’s clients will benefit from direct access to a leading international network servicing more than 25 countries.”
“We look forward to a seamless integration and the new opportunities this will bring for our clients and team members alike.”
The transaction is expected to complete on September 27, 2024. Until completion, each firm will operate independently.
About IPH
IPH is the leading intellectual property services group, comprising a network of member firms servicing 26 IP jurisdictions. The group includes leading IP firms AJ Park, Griffith Hack, Pizzeys, Robic, Smart & Biggar and Spruson & Ferguson, and online trademarks provider Applied Marks. IPH employs more than 1600 people working in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
About Bereskin & Parr
Bereskin & Parr LLP is a full-service IP firm headquartered in Toronto with additional offices in Mississauga, Waterloo and Montreal. Founded in 1965, the firm has grown to be one of the largest IP firms in Canada and serves clients across the country and internationally.
About Smart & Biggar
Smart & Biggar is widely recognized as Canada’s leading intellectual property firm, with over 125 lawyers, patent agents and trademark agents in offices in Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. The firm has been serving clients for over a century and operates as part of the international IPH Limited group.