Smart & Biggar

Smart & Biggar is a premier IP firm in Canada with significant expertise in patent litigation and counseling. The group serves a broad client base, including universities, research institutions, startups and multinational companies. A competitor calls the firm "preeminent in patent prosecution." The firm is also notable for its recent growth in regulatory personnel.

In patent litigation, Gunars Gaikis is revered as one of the top practitioners for life sciences disputes. His noteworthy representations include the impactful Supreme Court case AstraZeneca v Apotex, which eliminated the longstanding promise doctrine. Yoon Kang has more than two decades of experience in law. Her practice focuses on patent litigation and prosecution for clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. She is currently acting for numerous clients in small molecule patent disputes. Sheldon Hamilton has a strong reputation as a patent litigator for life sciences-focused disputes, both at the trial and appellate levels.

Partner Nancy Pei is equally versed in patent litigation and prosecution. She is currently advising a major life sciences company in patent counseling and strategy.

The firm recently bolstered its offering in regulatory services with the addition of Alice Tseng from Blake Cassels & Graydon. She is currently advising several clients in regulatory, advertising and commercial matters. Tseng was awarded Canadian Regulatory Attorney of the Year in 2019 for her work in this area.