Canada has long been an important intellectual property (IP) market for global brands and innovators, and a major international destination for IP rights. Increasingly, Canadian companies are also realizing the strategic role that IP plays as a lever for economic growth and productivity.
These insights, drawn from the IP Canada Report, were highlighted in a recent article by Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) that explored how the Canadian IP market is evolving. It also looked at the growth strategies Canadian firms are pursuing in response to increasing competition for market share, and how they are responding to client needs.
James Baker, partner and Head of Chemistry and Life Sciences for Canada, provided commentary to MIP on the challenges and opportunities facing IP firms in Canada, and what clients are increasingly looking for in an IP partner. He noted that in Canada, clients are seeking to partner with IP firms that have a broad range of services and wide geographic coverage. This is an area where an international IP boutique like Marks & Clerk can offer clients an advantage, with offices in Toronto and Ottawa, as well across the UK and Asia.
James also talked about Marks & Clerk’s approach to strengthening its position in the Canadian market through strategic growth. He noted that the most meaningful ways of increasing market share are either through a merger or attracting talent, saying "We've chosen to hire talent”.
As evidence of the firm's commitment to growth, the article also highlighted some of the top talent Marks & Clerk has attracted in recent years, including patent partners Paul Horbal, Kevin Shipley and Justin Smith, as well as IP litigator and regulatory lawyer Kamleh Nicola. Most recently, associates that have been recruited to the firm include patent associate Shuang Ren, IP litigation associate Alexis Vaughan, and trademark and copyright associate Amylee Hu-Fouye.
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In Canada, clients are seeking to partner with IP firms that have a broad range of services and wide geographic coverage.
