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Life Sciences

Fasken Martineau's team of 50 life science specialists, many of whom have in-house pharmaceutical counsel experience, is widely acknowledged as having real depth and breadth of expertise in the sector. This is reflected in our recommendations in the Chambers, Legal 500, Legal Experts and Which Lawyer guides.

Our pedigree and breadth of coverage enables the firm to develop effective legal strategies from a range of perspectives. Our experience of the many possible deal structures makes us adept at anticipating and dealing with perennial "logjams" in negotiations and ensuring that commercial solutions are arrived at efficiently.

Our clients range from the biggest pharmaceutical multinationals, to the most virtual biotech companies, and also include specialty pharmaceutical businesses, medical device companies and academic and governmental institutions. In addition, we act for investors in venture capital funds and other investors in the sector, service providers to the industry, such as CROs, as well as hospitals and other healthcare providers.

The services we provide for life sciences clients include:

Collaborations and Licensing - For 'biotechs', out-licensing and other forms of collaboration are often the principal means of realising the potential of their assets. For "pharma", in-licensing commonly represents the major source of new candidates and products. We also offer advice on the restrictions of compliance matters so as to ensure that the deal is structured appropriately.

Intellectual Property Protection, Opinions and Litigation - We provide clients with strategic and timely advice on protecting and defending their intellectual property to maximum advantage. Our litigation experience covers all levels of the courts as well as before patent and trade mark offices and all forms of alternative dispute resolution.

We are skilled and experienced in the conduct of Canadian, UK and European patent infringement proceedings and coordinating international patent litigation throughout Europe, US, Canada and Japan for claimants and defendants.

Corporate and Corporate Finance - The initial focus for early stage companies will be on raising first and second round finance. For the growing business, the attention may shift to growth through acquisition of corporations, businesses and products or the divestment of non-core assets.

Outsourcing - Increasingly, even the largest corporations use third party suppliers of services or people for clinical research, manufacturing, logistics, promotion, facilities management and ad hoc human resource requirements.

Regulatory and Product Liability Issues - Our in-depth understanding of the restraints imposed by national and international regulatory legislation is vital in ensuring that commercial strategy and agreements are going to be workable.