Top Intellectual Property Boutiques in Canada

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The Canadian Lawyer has ranked the best intellectual property boutiques in Canada. To determine their rankings, the magazine gathered votes from clients, senior members of the bar, and lawyers. Firms had to generate 80 per cent of their business through IP. The final rankings are determined through a points-based system, with firms rewarded on a sliding scale based on the number of votes received. The rankings are based on quantitative results as well as feedback from respected senior members of the bar and in-house counsel.

Venable

With a diverse practice that spans a variety of sectors, the Venable intellectual property team consistently delivers quality analyses and practical advice. Venable attorneys are nationally recognized for their expertise in virtually every area of intellectual property law, including litigation, acquisition, and protection. They also help organizations protect their global brands. Read on to learn more about the firm’s intellectual property attorneys. Here are some of the key benefits of working with Venable.

As the federal government’s regulatory role expands, Venable’s Washington office helps clients navigate these changes and make their voices heard. Its renowned regulatory and privacy practices are particularly helpful to companies, governments, and private individuals seeking guidance on emerging regulations. The firm also maintains a broad network of relationships with the government and industry groups, including the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. The renowned Washington office of Venable also offers its clients a range of legal services to protect their interests in the global marketplace.

Bereskin & Parr

The Bereskin & Parr intellectual estate boutique law firm has received numerous accolades. In fact, it has been named among the Top IP boutique law firms in Canada by Canadian Lawyer. This prestigious list is produced every year and provides additional information about the firms. Listed among the Top IP boutique law firms in Canada is Bereskin & Parr LLP. Its diverse talent pool offers an advantage in IP litigation.

The team at Bereskin & Parr’s Intellectual Property boutique law firm has a diverse background. Members of its Patent and Trademark practice group have extensive experience in the field of biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, electronics, and entertainment. They have extensive experience in both foreign and national IP protection. The firm’s Life Sciences practice group includes lawyers with backgrounds in science, biology, and the automotive sector.

McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff

If you are looking for a top-rated intellectual property boutique law firm, consider McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert LLP. Its 70-plus attorneys have extensive experience and nearly half are engineering and science-trained. With this diverse background, McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff is well-equipped to handle almost any technology case. Attorneys like Michael Borella have a track record of success in building large engineering teams and are named inventors on over 70 US patent applications.

As the managing partner of McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert LLP, Richard has extensive experience in all aspects of intellectual property. His extensive background in patent litigation has led him to speak at conferences and publish articles on issues surrounding international pharmaceutical litigation and privacy issues. He has also served as the firm’s Information Technology partner, which gives him special expertise in cybersecurity and privacy issues. In addition to patent litigation, Richard Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP has attorneys who are experienced in technology licensing, litigation, and cybersecurity.

Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner

In the early 1990s, an IP boutique law firm was formed in the Midwest, with a focus on the latest developments in IP law. The firm, which now has over 120 patent attorneys, was inspired by the idea of combining a passion for the law with innovation. In addition to its Midwest roots, Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner has offices in Silicon Valley, Austin, the U.K., and London. The firm has won several awards for its work in the field of patent prosecution, and its lawyers are well-versed in the latest technologies.

The firm’s IP practice focuses on strategic patent portfolio planning, infringement and validity investigations, clearance, and opinions. In addition to litigation, its attorneys handle all aspects of intellectual property prosecution practice, partnering with litigation firms in order to provide clients with realistic assessments of litigation risks. And while most IP boutiques do not have a litigation practice, the firm is proud to work with some of the country’s top law firms in the field.

Hicks Intellectual Property Law

As a senior partner at Hicks Intellectual Property Law, Christine Hicks has more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property. Her practice has always focused on a balance of patent, design and trademark work. Christine is a specialist in medical devices and has significant experience in filing and prosecuting patent and industrial design applications in the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French. For more information, visit www.hicksipl.ca.

Christine E. Hicks obtained her LLB from the University of Ottawa and was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 1994. She has 20 years of experience in intellectual property and handles patents, trademark applications, and industrial design matters. Hicks Intellectual Property Law also handles cancellation proceedings and oppositions. The firm is located in Calgary, Alberta, and provides comprehensive legal services in Canada for clients looking to protect their inventions. Its expertise in patents and industrial designs helps clients protect their brands from imitators, competitors, and others.