Smart & Biggar named ‘Top-Tier Firm’ in Intellectual Property and IP Litigation by Chambers Global 2022
Smart & Biggar is proud to announce that the firm has once again received top-tier recognition in Intellectual Property in the 2022 edition of Chambers Global – The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business maintaining our Band 1 ranking, Chambers Global’s highest ranking.
Chambers researchers recognize Smart & Biggar as a “well-established IP and innovation boutique...[with] an impressive IP development service, assisting high-profile clients with issues ranging from licensing and marketing to enforcement and litigation.” They also describe the firm’s reputation for “its bench strength and quality representation…[with] proven skill in patent and trademark litigation as well as a substantial range of commercial IP matters… in a diverse range of sectors, including telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and the media industry.”
One client noted they “always have the impression that the team is exceptionally organised,” adding “they are exceptional at explaining what's required of us and supporting us.” Another remarked that whether “prosecution or litigation, their depth of expertise is impressive and top names abound in every area.”
Chambers Global also highlights ‘Notable Practitioners,’ acknowledging excellence at the individual lawyer level:
Partner Mark Evans (Intellectual Property): represents clients in significant IP prosecution issues and has an outstanding reputation in the field of trademarks “where he services major sporting and consumer product brands.” Mark Evans is referred to as an “excellent practitioner."
Partner François Guay, (Intellectual Property Litigation): is highly revered as an “experienced litigator…particularly well regarded for his expertise in trademark disputes and infringement cases… [who has] acted for major clients in recreational products, pharmaceuticals and telecoms.” They note that "François Guay is a great litigator and at the top of his game."
Partner, Steven Garland (Intellectual Property Litigation): has a reputation as a “prominent presence in intellectual property work in Canada.” The guide describes Steven Garland as a very persuasive litigator and an excellent strategic thinker."
Montréal-based partner, Christian Bolduc (Intellectual Property): impresses with “his work across a broad array of trademark mandates, spanning procurement, prosecution and transactions.” Clients praise Christian Bolduc for his “practical advice and is very strategic in his approach," adding "he is a great lawyer."
Partner and Firm Chair, Daphne Lainson (Intellectual Property): regularly acts for the firm's high-profile pharmaceutical clients, “advising on patent applications and strategy, as well as providing support with global portfolio management.” Daphne Lainson’s clients regard themselves as “fortunate to have her guidance and insights…[her] knowledge of Canadian IP law is outstanding."
Of Counsel, Gunars Gaikis (Intellectual Property Litigation): is described as 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."
The Chambers Global Guide ranks the top lawyers and law firms in over 200 jurisdictions across the world. Their rankings are based on the in-depth research conducted by 200 Research Analysts, providing almost 6,000 rankings tables. The full results are available to view online.
About Smart & Biggar
Smart & Biggar is widely recognized as Canada’s leading firm for intellectual property law, with offices in Ottawa, Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Calgary. We are leaders in intellectual property and technology law and have been serving clients for over a century.