Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP continued to invest in its IP offering during 2023/24 both laterally and organically. Most notably, it added a duo of litigators from Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in Toronto: Andrew Skodyn — who was IP litigation head at his former firm — and Sean Jackson joined in December 2023. Additionally, it elevated Toronto-based IP and IT specialist Marco Ciarlariello to the partnership in January 2024. The growing practice is widely regarded as a go-to team for copyright law, with Toronto-based IP co-chair Casey Chisick recognized as foremost authority in that sphere. Other practice strong suits include anticounterfeiting enforcement, where Vancouver’s Karen MacDonald is a key contact, and IP portfolio management. Toronto-based up-and-coming litigator Jessica Zagar is also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Bank of Nova Scotia
  • Burberry
  • Chanel
  • Louis Vuitton Malletier
  • lululemon athletica Canada
  • SureWerx USA and JET Equipment
  • Canadian Music Reproduction Rights (CMRRA)
  • Coca Cola Company/Coca Cola
  • The Clorox Company
  • Little Caesar Enterprises
  • Mattel/Mega Bloks/American Girl
  • Music Publishers Canada
  • Nike
  • October’s Very Own Holdings (OVO)
  • Premier Brands Group
  • Recipe Unlimited
  • Society of Authors, Composers, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN)
  • Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Music Canada
  • University of Toronto
  • YETI Coolers

Lawyers

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.

Casey Chisick

Other key lawyers

Mark Davis, Jennifer McKenzie, Andrew Skodyn, Marco Ciarlariello, Karen MacDonald, Eric Mayzel, Steven Kennedy, Jessica Zagar, Sean Jackson