We understand the unique challenges of the life sciences industry and the sophisticated needs of our innovative clients.
Clients trust us to provide practical advice at every stage: from securing capital and leveraging intellectual property to obtaining regulatory approvals, commercializing products, and defending against product liability and intellectual property claims. We also assist with executing strategic transactions and accessing public markets.
What Clients Say
"The Bennett Jones team is incredibly responsive, as well as pragmatic in their approach to resolving issues."
Our national team delivers business-focused solutions and pragmatic legal support to companies across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology, environmental science, natural health products, food processing and more. Our clients range from global corporations to emerging start-ups, and everything in between.
What Clients Say
"They are experienced and skilled to easily navigate complex issues and present context and options to our team."
How We Help
M&A and Capital Markets
Our leading Corporate group advises life sciences clients of all types on their key transactions, including strategic acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures and investments, and the full range of public and private financing transactions. We work strategically and efficiently, guided by our clients’ business realities and risk tolerances. Discover more about our comprehensive services on our M&A and Capital Markets practice pages.
Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property lawyers, patent agents and trademark agents have deep technical and subject-matter expertise. We assist our clients in procuring and managing IP rights, and in commercial transactions to develop, buy, sell and license IP rights and technology. Members of our team are ranked as leading practitioners in international and national publications. Explore our IP practice and discover how our customized strategies can enhance the value of your innovations.
Product Regulation
We help manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, natural health products, cannabis and food with all legal aspects of the approval, manufacture, distribution, importation and sale of products in Canada. Our experienced team regularly advises and represents clients in their dealings with Health Canada, Canada’s Drug Agency, the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance and provincial health authorities. Discover how our Product Regulation practice can guide your business through the complex regulatory landscape of bringing products to market in Canada.
Product Liability and Class Action Litigation
Our experienced national Product Liability team represents pharmaceutical and medical products manufacturers in multi-jurisdiction litigation, including class actions. We respond quickly and effectively to the legal and reputational challenges that arise from allegations of product defects or failures, regulatory non-compliance and recalls, and anticompetitive conduct or alleged misrepresentation. Learn how our Product Liability and Class Action Litigation teams can help you navigate complex disputes and manage legal and reputational risks.
Intellectual Property Litigation
Our lawyers represent life sciences clients in complex legal proceedings involving all types of IP rights. We represent pharmaceutical manufacturers in high-stake patent litigation, including under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. Our IP litigation team brings together legal acumen, technical expertise and industry knowledge to safeguard your assets and secure favorable outcomes—inside and outside of the courtroom. Visit our IP Litigation page to find out how our experienced team can protect your interests in high-stakes IP disputes.
International Arbitration
Our International Arbitration team assists life sciences clients with resolving their most complex commercial disputes, such as multi-million dollar cross-border patent infringement disputes arising under license agreements and breach of contract disputes under international distribution agreements. We guide clients through the entire lifecycle of a dispute, draft robust dispute resolution clauses, represent them in the prosecution and defense of cases in international arbitration, and assist with the recognition and enforcement of awards. Our experienced lawyers work closely with clients to understand their business and develop a dispute strategy that will best protect them. Learn more about our team on our International Arbitration page.
Commercial Transactions and International Trade
Our Commercial Transactions and Intellectual Property Transactions teams advises, drafts and negotiates all types of commercial agreements for life sciences clients, including development and collaboration agreements, manufacturing, sourcing and distribution contracts, technology services and clinical trial agreements, and all types of IP licences.
Clients trust our International Trade & Investment group to navigate complex international trade rules by providing advice on compliance, including import and export controls, sanctions, customs valuation, tariff classification and origin. We help clients leverage free trade and investment protection agreements to expand their market access and protect their investments. Our advice extends to guidance on cross-border regulatory requirements, including product marking and labeling, and compliance with Canada’s deepening ethical supply chain requirements.
Competition & Antitrust
Clients rely on our proactive, pragmatic approach to help them manage complex merger reviews, foreign investment approvals and competition-related challenges in the life sciences sector.
Our Competition/Antitrust group includes the former Commissioner of the Competition Bureau, several former Bureau and Department of Justice officials, and some of Canada’s top competition counsel. We regularly represent life sciences companies in matters before the Bureau, providing expert litigation support and strategic advice. We have a unique and nuanced understanding of the Bureau’s priorities, enforcement practices and investigative approaches, which we leverage to protect our clients' interests.
Cannabis
We offer a business-focused approach to cannabis law, helping clients navigate industry complexities. Our national team blends legal advice with entrepreneurial thinking and leverages an extensive network of financing sources, government agencies and industry professionals. By acting as a single point of contact, we ensure seamless coordination and deliver customized solutions that position clients for success in the cannabis sector. Discover how our Cannabis Law team combines legal expertise with strategic insight to help life sciences clients unlock valuable business opportunities.
Bennett Jones