IAM Strategy 300 names five Smart & Biggar practitioners as leading IP strategists for 2026

Congratulations to Stephen Beney, Charles Boulakia, Daphne Lainson, Daphne Maravei and David St-Martin for their inclusion in the 2026 edition of IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists. Each year, IAM Strategy 300 recognizes those who innovatively create and action strategies which realize and amplify the worth of IP portfolios.

Stephen Beney works with clients to assess IP needs and has helped secure patents for a wide range of innovators, including start-ups, small‑ to mid‑sized enterprises, major multinational companies and university researchers.

Charles Boulakia provides patent prosecution and portfolio management services in Canada and internationally, and advises clients on IP due diligence, validity and freedom‑to‑operate matters.

Daphne Lainson provides strategic advice and counselling to clients across the life cycle of a drug, including during pre-clinical and clinical development through to marketing and loss of exclusivity.

Daphne Maravei's practice focuses on the acquisition, clearance, prosecution, litigation and licensing of trademarks, patents, industrial designs and copyright. Daphne also counsels clients on portfolio management and filing strategies.

David St-Martin helps his clients in preparing patentability, validity, freedom-to-operate and infringement opinions concerning patents and guidance on patent portfolio management.

View the full 2026 list of IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists online.