Canada’s Intellectual Property Firm

Rankings & Recognition

Who’s Who Legal: Canada recognizes 17 Smart & Biggar professionals recognized as leading IP experts

The newly released edition of Who’s Who Legal: Canada 2017 has recognized 17 Smart & Biggar professionals among the world’s leading experts in Patents, Patent Agency, Trademarks, and Life Sciences.

Many of these professionals were praised in the guide, with notable comments included in the analysis section.  In addition, two partners were recognized as “Most Highly Regarded” for their practice areas -- David Schwartz for Patent Agents, and Gunars Gaikis for Life Sciences.  

Recognized in Patents:

  • Ronald Faggetter
  • Gunars Gaikis is highly esteemed in the patents market as one of its foremost practitioners and “a very senior patent litigator”.
  • Steven Garland “top-rated” and highly recommended for his excellent patent litigation work across numerous industries as well as his “wonderful, persuasive advocacy style”.
  • François Guay is one of the standout patent litigators in the country and has acted on leading cases in the field.
  • Sheldon Hamilton is a dynamic force in the patents field where he has acted for numerous innovative companies in patent infringement litigation. One peer says, “He is one of the best.”
  • Yoon Kang
  • Christopher Robinson

 Recognized in Patent Agents

  • Ronald Faggetter
  • Stephan Georgiev
  • John Knox
  • Daphne Lainson draws high praise for her record of securing patent protection and is recommended as “very knowledgeable and client-friendly”.
  • Christopher Robinson
  • David E Schwartz – MOST HIGHLY REGARDED One peer notes, “He is a highly experienced practitioner with a deep knowledge of matters relating to biotechnology. He always provides clear and thorough advice and drills right down to the bottom of a case.”
  • Matthew Zischka is frequently sought after for his ability to secure patents for his clients and advise them on the most effective route, during which he provides excellent counsel.

Recognized in Trademarks:

  • Christian Bolduc is regarded as “knowledgeable, practical and understanding” and draws praise for his ability “to meet his clients’ business needs”. He enjoys a superb reputation in the market for his broad practice, which encompasses the full spectrum of trademark law.
  • Mark Evans is a key figure in Toronto and an “Excellent trademark lawyer”. In addition to the advocacy skills for which he is renowned, he is noted for his “business-focused approach when negotiating settlement agreements”.
  • François Guay
  • Philip Lapin impresses interviewees with his work on portfolio management, licencing and brand protection. One source notes: “He really knows trademark law; I deal with him a lot and have an awful lot of respect for him.”
  • Keltie Sim Luft

Recognized in Life Sciences:

  • Gunars Gaikis – MOST HIGHLY REGARDED is “terrific for IP” according to peers who note, “He is a widely recognised leader in this space.” One source comments: “He is the most prominent drug patent litigator out there.”
  • Steven Garland specialises in patent litigation, an area in which one source considers him “absolutely amazing!”
  • Nancy Pei is held in high regard by peers for her “strong regulatory work”. She boasts over 15 years’ experience handling matters from a wide range of industries including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and natural health products.

Who's Who Legal: Canada 2017 is a special report identifying Canada's leading professionals across 46 practice areas. Nominated professionals were selected based upon comprehensive surveys with both general counsel and peers worldwide.

Click here to view the online version of the guide.

###

Smart & Biggar is Canada's largest firm practising exclusively in intellectual property and technology law, with offices in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. We have been leaders in intellectual property and technology law for over a century. For more information, please visit smart-biggar.ca.