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ARTICLE · 29 JANUARY 2026

Life Sciences In Canada: Year In Review 2025

Gowling WLG
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The Canadian life science sector saw several significant developments in 2025. This article highlights key decisions, guidance, and regulatory changes that impacted the patent landscape.

CanadaIntellectual Property
Frédéric Lussier
Frédéric Lussier
Erin Creber
Erin Creber
Jason Brandt
Jason Brandt
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The Canadian life science sector saw several significant developments in 2025. This article highlights key decisions, guidance, and regulatory changes that impacted the patent landscape.

1. Supreme Court of Canada hears arguments on validity of "methods of medical treatment"

On October 9, 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada heard arguments in Pharmascience Inc. v Janssen Inc., et al. (Supreme Court File No. 41209). A decision by the Supreme Court is expected in 2026.

At first instance before the Federal Court, Janssen's "335 Patent" was found to be valid and infringed. Pharmascience appealed on the sole issue that the claims of the 335 Patent at issue were invalid as claiming no patentable "method of medical treatment."

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