McCarthy Tétrault’s IP team is ‘excellent at finding creative arguments and solutions to problems’. Primarily recognized for its dominant IP litigation practice, the group also possesses extensive expertise on the non-contentious side with strong skill sets in global IP portfolio management and transactional matters. Toronto-based Steven Mason heads the IP litigation practice and is commended as a ’go-to lawyer for bet-the-company work���. Mason recently paired up with Toronto-based senior counsel and copyright expert Barry Sookman to successfully represent Sam Smith, Normani and Stargate — and their record labels and music publishers — in a copyright infringement action. The Toronto group also includes Lisa Melanson, who leads the IP strategy and prosecution area; high-profile IP litigator David Tait; and associate Kendra Levasseur, who ‘performs beyond her years of qualification’. In Vancouver, Vincent Yip is recommended for IP transactions. Fiona Legere left the firm in July 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘McCarthy Tétrault is one of the leading practices in the Canadian life sciences and healthcare patent litigation market. The size and breadth of the team is excellent, particularly the quality of the talent.’
- ‘The firm has litigators and prosecution attorneys with lots of experience in PM(NOC) cases, impeachment cases and multi-jurisdictional matters requiring coordination with other countries. The firm is frequently involved in cross-border matters involving the US and Europe. The team also has good diversity.’
- ‘David Tait is a veteran litigator and a leading lawyer in the life sciences/patent litigation team. He has a lot of experience with Canadian patent linkage system, section 8 damages and impeachment actions. David has a scientific background and easy to get on with and give sound, pragmatic advice.’
- ‘James Holtom is a recently promoted partner with excellent technical and legal knowledge. He has a lot of experience with administrative law matters which can be helpful in fast paced PM(NOC) matters. With great knowledge of the science behind the technology James is a rising star partner at McCarthy.’
- ‘Kendra Levasseur is a rising star mid-level associate and performs beyond her years of qualification. She is great to work with and has a good amount of experience in biologics cases. She is tenacious and is not afraid to challenge complex science. A talent to watch out for in the future.’
- ‘Led by a very capable lawyer in Steven Mason, this is a top-tier IP litigation shop. The team is excellent at finding creative arguments and solutions to problems, and its client management is second to none.’
- ‘Steven Mason is a star in patent litigation and go-to lawyer for "bet-the-company" work.’
Key clients
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals / Bayer
- Allergan
- AbbVie
- Farmers Edge
- EMD Serono (Merck Serono)
- Eli Lilly and Company
- Bell Telephone Company of Canada
- Enbridge Gas
- Sam Smith, Normani, Stargate and their record label and music publishers
- Blue Wolf Capital Partners
- Rio Tinto
- Starz Entertainment
- Sumitomo Pharma Canada
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Steven Mason, Lisa Melanson, David Tait