IP lawyers at Torys stand out for being ‘very smart in the legal theory but also very practical’. The Toronto-based team strikes a balance between IP litigation and advisory work, with its expertise in the latter area considered particularly formidable. Historically recognized for its capability in transactional support matters, the team also excels in patent and trademark filing, prosecution and strategy; notably, it filed 780 patent and trademark applications during 2023/24. IP chair Eileen McMahon contributes thirty years of experience in IP law, with a focus on patent work. Other non-contentious specialists include Edward Fan, who advises on the acquisition, enforcement and exploitation of IP; Teresa Reguly, who has a focus on life sciences clients; and Michelle Nelles, who specializes in trademark law and branding. Andrew Shaughnessy heads the IP litigation area and recently paired up with Andrew Bernstein — who maintains a broad dispute resolution practice — to represent Sanofi-Aventis Canada in a complex patent case. Nicole Mantini is also noted for litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Andrew Shaughnessy and his team provide prompt, commercially sensible advice. They are extremely available.’
‘Nicole Mantini provides high-quality legal advice and is very responsive to queries. She is friendly, easy to work with and has the ability to anticipate our needs and proactively offer solutions. Nicole combines excellent legal advice with sensible practical and commercial suggestions.’
‘Andrew Shaughnessey is highly experienced and has a strong commercial and strategic sense.’
‘We use Torys for appellate advocacy work on a regular basis. In terms of the team that we use, it is a combination of being very smart in the legal theory but also very practical. This is a rare quality in appellate counsel, particularly Andrew Bernstein.’
‘We recommend the team for its scope and depth of talent in healthcare. Lawyers stand out for their professionalism.’
- ‘The team has expertise in all areas of IP from drafting patent applications to IP enforcement activities. Teresa Reguly, Michele Clarizio, Michelle Nelles, Denver Bandstra and Sue Fei all deserve special mentions, they provide outstanding service.’
Key clients
- LiquidPower Specialty Products
- BMO Financial Group
- Sanofi-Aventis Canada
- Amgen
Work highlights
Acting for LiquidPower Specialty Products in two patent actions concerning the patents of a drag reduction additive.
Acting for Bank of Montreal on its acquisition of the AIR MILES Reward business of LoyaltyOne Co and related intellectual property work, as part of its restructuring proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
Engaged by Sanofi-Aventis Canada to work with Smart & Biggar (the former counsel of record) as trial counsel in respect of Apotex’s billion-dollar claim under the Ontario Statute of Monopolies, the UK Statute of Monopolies and the Trademarks Act.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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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
Eileen McMahon; Edward Fan; Andrew Shaughnessy
Other key lawyers
Teresa Reguly; Michelle Nelles; Andrew Bernstein; Nicole Mantini; Yael Bienenstock; Yolande Dufresne; Michele Clarizio; Denver Bandstra; Sue Fei