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IP Litigation


Resolving High‑Stakes Intellectual Property Disputes
When IP disputes threaten innovation, revenue, or market position, Fasken helps clients enforce rights and defend claims through strategic litigation, arbitration, mediation, and regulatory proceedings in Canada and internationally.
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Overview

IP litigation is rarely just about legal rights. It is about protecting innovation, revenue, reputation, and freedom to operate. Fasken represents clients in complex intellectual property disputes before courts and specialized tribunals, helping them manage risk, assert rights, and resolve conflicts in a way that supports long‑term business objectives.

IP Disputes, Addressed Strategically

Intellectual property disputes often arise in fast‑moving and competitive environments where timing, remedies, and commercial context matter as much as the underlying legal issues. Organizations must assess not only the strength of their rights, but also the business impact of enforcement, the risk of counterclaims, and the implications of cross‑border activity. Fasken works with clients to clarify positions early, assess exposure, and pursue strategies aligned with business priorities, whether that involves decisive enforcement, negotiated resolution, or litigation through trial and appeal.

What You Can Expect

  • Clear litigation strategy aligned with business objectives and risk tolerance
  • Early assessment of validity, infringement, and freedom‑to‑operate issues
  • Practical guidance on remedies, including injunctions and urgent relief
  • Coordinated advocacy across courts, tribunals, and ADR forums
  • Integrated support with IP strategy, regulatory, and commercial teams

Who We Serve

IP Owners and Rights Holders — Organizations seeking to enforce patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other IP rights to their commercial interests, market position, and competitive advantagesprotect innovation and market position . Businesses Defending against IP Claims — Companies facing infringement allegations, invalidity challenges, or opportunistic claims, including so‑called “troll” litigation. Technology, Life Sciences, and Research‑Driven Organizations — Clients operating in technically complex and regulated industries where IP disputes carry significant commercial risk. Institutions and Industry Associations — Universities, research institutes, and professional associations involved in IP‑related disputes or regulatory proceedings. (H3) Types of Matters We Handle • Patent, Trademark, and Copyright: Litigation Infringement actions, invalidity challenges, and defence of IP rights across industries and technologies. • Validity, Infringement, and Freedom‑to‑Operate: Disputes Strategic assessment and litigation of core IP issues affecting product development and commercialization. • Regulatory and Tribunal Proceedings: Appeals from Copyright Board decisions, tariff disputes, and other specialized IP proceedings. • Urgent and Extraordinary Remedies: Injunctions, seizures before judgment, and other time‑sensitive measures to protect IP assets. • Cross‑Border IP Disputes: Coordination of litigation strategy across jurisdictions, including disputes involving international trade considerations. • Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and arbitration of IP disputes where negotiated outcomes better serve commercial objectives. (H3) Why Clients Choose Fasken Clients choose Fasken for IP litigation that combines courtroom strength with strategic judgment. We understand the current and future value of IP assets and tailor dispute strategies accordingly, balancing enforcement, defence, cost, and commercial impact. Fasken’s IP litigation practice is consistently recognized by independent legal directories and industry publications, reflecting sustained involvement in complex and precedent‑setting IP disputes. (H3) What Success Looks Like Supreme Court Advocacy: Acted in leading IP cases before the Supreme Court of Canada, helping shape Canadian intellectual property law. Urgent Enforcement Measures: Obtained injunctions and other extraordinary remedies to protect high‑value IP assets. Cross‑Border Patent Dispute: Represented clients in several complex international patent litigation involving multiple jurisdictions. Defence of Infringement Claims: Successfully defended organizations against infringement allegations, preserving freedom to operate and commercial continuity. (H3) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Do you handle both enforcement and defence in IP litigation? A: Yes. We act for rights holders enforcing IP and for organizations defending against infringement and validity claims. Q: Can IP disputes be resolved without going to trial? A: Often, yes. We advise on settlement, mediation and arbitration where appropriate, while preparing matters for litigation when needed. Q: Do you handle technically complex IP disputes? A: Yes. Our team includes lawyers with advanced technical backgrounds who regularly handle complex IP matters. Q: Do you support cross‑border IP litigation? A: Yes. We coordinate strategy across jurisdictions and work closely with international counsel on global disputes. (H3) Your Team at Fasken Clients work with an IP Litigation team that combines deep courtroom experience with technical and commercial insight. Our lawyers regularly appear before courts at all levels and specialized tribunals, and work closely with IP, regulatory, and commercial colleagues to deliver coordinated, business‑minded dispute strategies.

 

Achievements

  • Ranked nationwide in IP: Litigation, The Legal 500 Canada 2018 to 2026
  • Recognized in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory in Litigation: Intellectual Property, Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2020 to 2026
  • Ranked nationwide in Intellectual Property: Litigation, Chambers Canada 2020 to 2026
  • Ranked nationwide in Canada in Intellectual Property: Litigation, Chambers Global 2021 to 2025

Team

Primary Contacts
  • Julie Desrosiers, Partner | Patents and Industrial Design, Montréal, QC, +1 514 397 7516, [email protected]
  • David Turgeon, PhD, Partner | Patent Agent | Leader, Intellectual Property, Montréal, QC | Québec, QC, +1 514 397 5222, [email protected]
  • Marek Nitoslawski, Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property, Montréal, QC, +1 514 397 4335, [email protected]
  • Sébastien Roy, Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property, Québec, QC, +1 418 640 2073, [email protected]
  • Gerald (Jay) Kerr-Wilson, Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property, Ottawa, ON, +1 613 696 6884, [email protected]
  • Jean-Philippe Mikus, Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property, Montréal, QC, +1 514 397 5176, [email protected]
Julie Desrosiers patent lawyer in Montreal Julie Desrosiers Partner | Patents and Industrial Design Montréal, QC +1 514 397 7516
David Turgeon Associé/Partner Montréal David Turgeon, PhD Partner | Patent Agent | Leader, Intellectual Property Montréal, QC Québec, QC +1 514 397 5222
+1 418 640 2061
Marek Nitoslawski - Intellectual Property Lawyer, patents, trademarks and copyright Marek Nitoslawski Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property Montréal, QC +1 514 397 4335
Sébastien Roy Associé/Partner Québec Sébastien Roy Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property Québec, QC +1 418 640 2073
Jay Kerr-Wilson Ottawa Lawyer Gerald (Jay) Kerr-Wilson Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property Ottawa, ON +1 613 696 6884
Jean-Philippe Mikus Intellectual Property Lawyer in Montréal Jean-Philippe Mikus Partner | Trademark Agent | Intellectual Property Montréal, QC +1 514 397 5176

Experience

  • Swift court intervention enables our client to regain control of its brand, [Case - Confidential], Our client regains control of its domain name and associated e-mail addresses from its ex-regional distributor who was using such assets to illegally benefit from its web infrastructure and client contacts.
  • Canadian Education Consortium (The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada) successful in copyright royalty dispute at the Federal Court of Canada, [Case - A consortium of provincial and territorial education ministries and Ontario school boards], Consortium of provincial and territorial education ministries and Ontario school boards successful at the Federal Court.
  • Québec Court of Appeal confirms unconstitutionality of certain amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations which govern the PMPRB federal patented drug pricing regime, [Case - Merck and al.], Fasken successfully represented a coalition of major pharmaceutical companies before the Quebec Superior Court and Quebec Court of Appeal to confirm the unconstitutionality and invalidity of certain amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations which govern the PMPRB federal patented drug pricing regime.
  • Equisoft Sues For Breach Of Commercial Secrets In Front Of The Quebec Superior Court, [Case - Equisoft Inc.], Equisoft files a lawsuit against Protégez-vous for breach of commercial secrets.
  • BRP wins major lawsuit against competitor Arctic Cat, [Case - Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.], In a lawsuit launched in December 2011, Bombardier Recreational Products accused its major competitor Arctic Cat of infringing BRP’s patents related to its revolutionary Ski-Doo REV snowmobiles. BRP is a global leader in snowmobiles, power sports vehicles and propulsion systems with over 75 years...
  • CMRRA v. Apple et al and SOCAN v. Apple et al, [Case - Spotify and Bell Canada], FCA upholds Copyright Board decision to lower royalties paid for on-demand streaming and emphasizes importance of deference to expertise of Copyright Board
  • ESA v. SOCAN, 2020 FCA 100, [Case - Entertainment Software Association, Entertainment Software Association of Canada, Bell Canada, Google Canada, Quebecor Media, Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications], FCA overturns Copyright Board decision that recognized "making available" as an exclusive right, and would have required payment of double royalties for downloads.
  • Constitutional challenge in the Superior Court of Québec attacking controversial amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations and the validity of the existing PMPRB regime under the Patent Act, [Case - Merck Canada Inc., Janssen Inc., Servier Canada Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd/Ltée, Bayer Canada Inc., Theratechnologies Inc., and an additional (Confidential) pharmaceutical company], Constitutional challenge in the Superior Court of Québec.
  • Janssen overturns Court of Appeal ruling to exclude Remicade from Quebec's list of medications, [Case - Janssen Inc.], On January 16, 2019, the Quebec Court of Appeal declared invalid the decision of the Minister of Health and Social Services that Remicade, a Janssen product, had been removed from the Quebec ‘s List of Medications covered by the provincial drug plan. In 2017, the Minister of Health and Social S...

Knowledge

  • Bill 96 | Important Upcoming Changes to French Language Requirements for Public Signage, 4/15/2025
  • Williams v Music and Entertainment Rights Licensing Independent Network Ltd and the Territorial Principle, 8/9/2024
  • Patent Term Adjustment is finally coming to Canada, 7/16/2024
  • Québec Publishes Final Language Rules: Softens Stance on Trademarks but Maintains Sign Sizing Requirements, 6/27/2024
  • Blacklock’s Reporter v Canada (Attorney General) and Password Sharing for Research Purposes, 6/26/2024
  • Copyright and Presentations: How to Avoid Presentation-Related Copyright Infringement, 4/30/2024
  • Alberta et al v Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency (Access Copyright), 2024 FC 292 and the Voluntary Copyright Tariff Regime, 4/26/2024
  • Doan v Clearview Inc and the Identification of Class Members, 2/5/2024
  • Voltage Holdings, LLC v Doe #1 and Evidentiary Requirements in Copyright Infringement, 2/1/2024
  • Opposition and Cancellation Proceedings Shifting Into Higher Gear in Canada, 12/5/2023

Events

  • Protecting AI Investment – Leveraging Patent Protection for your Innovations, 3/11/2026
  • Recent developments in public contracts in Quebec, 6/5/2024
  • Choosing legally winning brands, 4/26/2023

News

  • Christian Leblanc analyzes the legal framework surrounding AI-generated artistic content in an interview broadcast on 98.5, 3/25/2026
  • Timothy St. John Ellam, KC Joins Fasken as Senior Counsel in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group, 2/2/2026
  • New IP Counsel Joins Fasken, 9/29/2023
  • Fasken Partners Recognized in the 2021 World IP Review Leaders Guide, 5/11/2021
  • The 2021 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory Recognizes 235 Fasken Lawyers, 4/22/2021
  • Julie Desrosiers Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers, 3/11/2021
  • 60 Fasken Lawyers in 27 Practice Areas Recognized in the 2021 Chambers Global Guide, 2/18/2021
  • Fasken Shines in Lexpert®’s Top 10 Cases of 2019-2020, 12/10/2020
  • Fasken Welcomes New Partner to Intellectual Property Group, 1/20/2020
  • 2020 Chambers Canada Guide Recognizes 108 Fasken Lawyers, 9/19/2019

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