Heenan Blaikie's prominence in recent years is largely attributed to its successes in patent litigation. The firm has handled various PM(NOC) proceedings for generic pharmaceutical manufacturer Teva Canada, prevailing over top firms in the industry. "The success rate speaks for itself," said a client. "Frankly, its strength is the team."
Described as "incredibly strong" by a client, Jonathan Stainsby was named among the top litigators in the field. Andrew Skodyn and Bill Mayo were also recommended by peers and clients. The team is "exceptionally strong in cross-examination", noted a client, adding: "Its greatest strength is the ability to manage all aspects of a case leading up to a trial or hearing, and getting the right evidence."
In a PM(NOC) proceeding against Janssen-Ortho, Heenan Blaikie secured market approval for Teva regarding a drug used to treat ADHD. The firm also reached a settlement with AstraZeneca on behalf of Teva involving Crestor, one of Canada's best-selling drugs.
The firm's trade mark group is in the midst of expansion. Adrian Kaplan, a former trade mark and patent agent with Dimock Stratton, and Cynthia Mason, formerly with Ogilvy Renault, recently joined the firm.