Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG is noteworthy for its broad offering of legal services for life sciences companies. The firm is active in patent litigation, prosecution, class actions, regulatory counseling and corporate matters.

"You always have to mention Anthony Creber over at Gowlings," a peer says about the firm's IP litigation head. "He's got a great roster of clients." Creber brings nearly four decades of experience to his practice focused on IP disputes. He has represented branded pharmaceutical and biotech clients in a number of venues, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Christopher Van Barr is another leader in the IP group who brings significant experience as first-chair in patent litigation. He is versed in matters involving pharmaceuticals and medical devices. A peer says Van Barr is "strong" and "dynamic" as a patent litigator.

Litigation and dispute resolution head Mary Thomson is viewed as one of the foremost attorneys for product liability cases. For life sciences matters, a peer says she is "active in this space," adding she is "a very capable lawyer." Thomson was shortlisted for the Canadian Product Liability Attorney of the Year award in 2019.

Vancouver-based partner Paul Armitage supports the firm's strong reputation in the financial and corporate space. "He has a really good skillset on the licensing side," a competitor says.

Anita Nador combines her IP and regulatory expertise to serve life sciences clients across a broad range of technology areas. She has experience advising companies in the pharmaceutical, biologics, food and medical device sectors.