Life Sciences | Canada

Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a leading law firm in the life sciences market which adeptly advises on M&A transactions, financingsand public offerings. It has an impressive nationwide practice group, with significant strength in Vancouver and Toronto. The law firm also provides clients with comprehensive services in advertising, regulatory compliance, IP and privacy law.

With well-regarded expertise in the pharmaceutical sector, Fasken impresses with its diverse life sciences practice, offering a strong focus on regulatory mandates but also encompassing corporate and IP matters. Well known for its strong product liability offering, the law firm often assists clients with patent litigation arising in the space, with experience before both provincial and federal courts. The broad team features lawyers from a variety of areas such as employment and privacy to offer clients a multidisciplinary approach. It is highlighted for the strength of its life sciences industry expertise in Montréal as well as for its work for sector clients in the USA, Europe and Asia.

Torys maintains its eminent position in the life sciences market and is credited for its cross-border practice, which is bolstered by the support of partners in Toronto, Montréal and New York. The team continues to advise blue-chip clients in the life sciences industry on a diverse range of regulatory and IP matters. The law firm also advises on venture capital financing and offers dispute resolution services to clients through its acclaimed litigation group. It offers further expertise in M&A, licensing, joint ventures and strategic partnerships.

Norton Rose Fulbright leverages its international platform to assist its impressive client roster in the life sciences sector. With notable depth in its Toronto and Vancouver offices, it has particular strength in contentious mandates, from patent and IP litigation to commercial files and product liability. The law firm also maintains an active regulatory and compliance practice and provides support to clients on commercial transactions and fundraising matters. It regularly acts for startups, emerging growth companies and multinationals, among others.

Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg is noted for its formidable corporate and commercial expertise in the life sciences sector, with notable practitioners dedicated to the industry in its Montréal office. The law firm is frequently engaged to handle the Canadian aspects of significant transactions for international pharmaceutical companies, and has considerable experience managing cross-border mandates. Active across M&A, licensing, securities and venture capital mandates in the industry, the team is ably supported by the firm's corporate, tax and competition groups.

With internationally renowned IP expertise, Gowling WLG is highlighted for its skilful handling of patent prosecution and litigation for a broad range of clients in the life sciences space. The law firm is a particularly popular choice for major multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Other clients include manufacturers and research organisations. The team also advises on acquisitions and financings, as well as a wide range of regulatory issues, including pricing, marketing and distribution of products.

McCarthy Tétrault is highlighted for its full-service offering to key life sciences industry players, with a strong track record in both patent litigation and commercial agreements. The team ably represents startup companies and major multinationals in corporate mandates, including securities, financing and cross-border M&A. It offers deep expertise in cross-border matters for US-listed companies, supported by its patent agents registered in both Canada and the USA.

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt houses a distinguished life sciences team with particular strength in corporate mandates for both established and startup entities, covering M&A, financeand strategic partnerships. The law firm also runs a well-respected IP practice out of its Montréal, Ottawa and Toronto offices, with a strong track record of success for clients in the generic pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

Smart & Biggar is a well-respected IP boutique with an impressive following of clients involved in life sciences, including those active in the cannabis and agribusiness sectors. With patent expertise sought after by pharmaceutical and biotech companies big and small, the law firm has significant experience representing clients in complex patent infringement cases, as well as portfolio management and prosecution. It also maintains a well-regarded regulatory practice, advising on product licensing, advertising, commercialisation and compliance with regulatory regimes. The firm has offices in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgaryand Montréal.

Stikeman Elliott has a solid pedigree in life sciences matters, advising on the full range of corporate transactional, commercial, intellectual property and disputes work. Its enviable client base includes major healthcare systems, biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical developers. The firm offers significant strength from its Montréal and Toronto offices.

BCF is a Montréal-based law firm that represents clients in the life sciences, pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. The team is particularly active in M&A and financing rounds. It also assists with commercial matters such as supply contracts, license agreements and strategic partnerships.

Bennett Jones offers wide-ranging capabilities across corporate and litigation mandates in the life sciences sector. The group has significant expertise in joint ventures, M&A and financings, as well as class actions and IP litigation. The law firm advises a broad roster of Canadian and international clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Farris is well-reputed law firm with experience in a wide range of matters in the life sciences sector, including M&A deals, financings, commercial agreements and corporate governance matters. The firm advises a roster of clients from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. With several offices in British Columbia, the firm offers particular strength from its Vancouver office.

Mintzis a reputable law firm offering significant corporate life sciences expertise from its Toronto office. The firm demonstrates strength in corporate and commercial matters, including M&A, financings and joint ventures, as well as commercial, research and licence agreements. The group is well versed in cross-border mandates, particularly involving the US, and frequently assists venture capital firms and clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare sectors.