How Much Do IP Lawyers Cost in Toronto?

It’s common for experienced senior lawyers with a solid reputation to bill on an hourly basis for complex cases, usually ranging from $400 to $500 per hour. 

1. Smart & Biggar LLP

Smart & Biggar is one of Canada’s premier IP firms, with a comprehensive grasp of tech industries and a history of over 130 years. They’re also the largest boutique firm of its kind, with more than 100 lawyers across five locations nationwide, including Toronto. Their full spectrum of services covers everything from counseling to litigation and enforcement.

As a dominant force in the market, Smart & Biggar holds the record for the highest number of patent and trademark applications in the country. They’ve also fought many victories in IP litigation, including a patent infringement matter resulting in a $650 million award for their client, Dow Chemical, marking the largest reported patent infringement award in Canada. 

Among their key principals is Steven Garland, a highly-esteemed litigator who brings 30 years of experience in all areas of IP. The firm itself is routinely awarded, such as a Tier One ranking from Managing IP.

Client Reviews

Has excellent knowledge in both areas of biotechnology and the law

“‘The intellectual property team at Smart & Biggar has excellent knowledge in both areas of biotechnology and the law. The team recently assisted me in a patent litigation. Both of the partners that I worked with were knowledgeable in the area of science and law, and it was great to be working with two partners who were both women. They also supported us using a smaller nimble team, allowing their associates to do much of the work, and then appropriately supporting at the strategic higher level when needed. They worked together with us to submit bills through a new platform that we implemented and also provided clear visibility in terms of expected costs.’” – Anonymous, The Legal 500 Company Profile

 They put together small teams to keep costs down

“The team is innovative and efficient. They will provide several options, where available, and have a good grasp of business imperatives. They are practical and respond to the actual question asked. Their knowledge of the pharmaceutical landscape is impressive. They put together small teams to keep costs down. Their depth of IP knowledge is an asset.” – Anonymous, The Legal 500 Company Profile

2. Heer Law

Heer Law is an up-and-coming IP boutique firm founded in 2014 by Christopher Heer, an LSO-certified intellectual property law specialist, lawyer, trademark agent, and patent agent all-in-one. 

Leading a small team alongside IP litigator Georgina Danzig, they cover all aspects of the practice, with a particular focus on IT-related patent matters. Notably, Christopher himself holds a degree in computer engineering, which enhances his expertise in IP law.

Both partners achieved IP STARS rankings under their belts, while the firm itself has been recognised by The Legal 500 as an Elite Boutique in Intellectual Property and one of the fastest-growing law firms in Canada. 

As a trusted partner of the prestigious University of Toronto, they have prepared numerous patent applications related to computer science in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), software engineering, and fintech. Additionally, they provide IP litigation services, from small claims court to federal court proceedings.

Client Reviews

No doubts that I received the best possible service for an incredible value

“I couldn’t describe my experience with Heer Law with anything short of “amazing, wonderful, and grateful!” My initial request for a consultation was responded to promptly by their extremely knowledgeable manager, who is an area expert in intellectual property technology. From there, I worked with Annette. I was treated fairly and invoiced appropriately and there are absolutely no doubts that I received the best possible service for an incredible value. Don’t think twice about working with Heer Law – just call!” – Allan McDougall, Google Reviews

A wonderful source of practical advice and is very responsive

“I am a U.S.-based intellectual property attorney, and Chris Heer and Heer Law is my go-to resource for information and advice on Canadian intellectual property law.  He is a wonderful source of practical advice and is very responsive.  Highly recommended for your Canadian trademark and patent needs!” – Dineen Pashoukos Wasylik, Google Reviews

3. Ridout & Maybee LLP

Since 1893, Ridout & Maybee has established itself as a renowned name in Canadian intellectual property law with founders, John G. Ridout and J. Edward Maybee, (first IPIC president) leaving a lasting impact on the field. 

Today, the firm maintains its esteemed status as one of Canada’s top IP firms, earning multiple accolades from prestigious publications like the World Trademark Review, Managing IP, and IAM Patent 1000.

With offices in Toronto, Ottawa, and Burlington, the firm boasts a team of over 30 experts, some holding degrees in IT and engineering. This showcases their deep understanding of technology-driven industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and high-tech energy. 

The team handles an impressive average of 4,000 patent and trademark applications annually. Recently, they achieved a landmark victory in the form of a successful appeal on behalf of Benjamin Moore & Co., highlighting the need for enhanced consistency and fairness in patent examination.

Customer Reviews

I’ve never had a bad experience with this firm

“Generally Ridout & Maybee only hire solid, ethical lawyers. I’ve never had a bad experience with this firm.” – Anonymous Associate, Martindale Reviews

Easy to communicate with them and they understood all aspects of our design

“Very professional group. Very easy to communicate and work with. Helped us to file a provisional patent application. Although our system is a high-tech system, it was very easy to communicate with them and they understood all aspects of our design perfectly.” – Younes Sadat-Nejad, Google Reviews

4. Shift Law

Shift Law is an intellectual property law firm founded in 2011 by John Simpson, a principal, trademark/copyright specialist, and litigator. Leading a team of four lawyers and one senior trademark agent, they provide a range of services including IP consultations, litigation, agreements, audits, and due diligence. 

They also excel in trademark registration, search, and clearance. John himself is recognised by the World Trademark Review and ranks among the Best Lawyers in Canada.

The firm specialises in industries such as entertainment, media, fashion, apparel, and technology, with a focus on trademark and copyright persecution and litigation. They have represented clients in federal and provincial courts. 

Notably, they achieved success in a copyright and moral rights infringement case, securing a significant statutory damages award for their client, Mr. Andrew Collett, for his photographic works.

Client Reviews

advice was well thought out, presented in a clear way, and put me at ease

“I highly recommend John Simpson and Shift Law to anyone developing a business involving publishing, content creation, marketing or any other creative pursuit. John was able to help me navigate the complex processes of intellectual property rights, copyright, civil law, and related fields to launch my publishing business. He was very responsive, easy to speak with, and flexible with his approach. John earned my trust quickly as he was generous with his time and always sought out a low-cost option for me. John’s advice was well thought out, presented in a clear way, and put me at ease. It’s difficult to overstate how happy I am with John’s delivery.” – Roger Reis, Google Reviews

Fearless in their advocacy and organized in their execution

“Shift Law is more than just an excellent intellectual property law firm. They are a trusted set of hands into which we can place our clients and referrals for all of their IP needs. John Simpson and his team are fearless in their advocacy and organized in their execution: whether it’s a relatively straightforward trademark application, advice on an IP arrangement in a brand new industry, or a defense of a client’s IP rights, John makes you feel like he’s right there beside you, calmly and effectively lighting the way.” – SkyLaw Webmaster, Google Reviews

5. Bereskin & Parr

Established in 1965, Bereskin & Parr has emerged as one of North America’s leading boutique IP firms, offering a comprehensive range of services in IP litigation, trademark, patent, and copyright matters. 

With a team of over 80 lawyers and agents, the firm stands as one of the largest in Canada, boasting a diverse pool of professionals with backgrounds in the arts, science, and technology. 

Their extensive network and industry affiliations further enrich their expertise, with two senior counsels serving as presidents for the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) and the Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI).

Bereskin & Parr has represented a wide-ranging clientele, from local enterprises to international corporations, including renowned entities like Microsoft, IMAX, and Canada Goose Inc. 

Notably, they achieved success in a copyright infringement case representing CarGurus, successfully reducing the statutory damages from a staggering $98 million to $305,064 in favor of their client.

Client Reviews

We have come to view them as an extension of our team

“Bereskin & Parr have been the intellectual property (IP) lawyers for various private and public technology companies that I’ve been involved with over the past 15 years. They are constantly rated as one of the top IP firms in Canada. We have come to view them as an extension of our team – not only do they provide top-tier advice on patent, copyright, and trademark issues but they focus on understanding our business strategies and budget concerns/constraints. Unlike some other firms we have dealt with, there are never surprises around billings and they keep us organized and on track constantly with our IP portfolios. They are a great law firm (don’t think I’ve ever spoken those words before) =)  I highly recommend them.” – Michael Bradley, Google Reviews

They steered us in the right direction when it came to our strategy

“The senior counsel and patent attorneys at Bereskin & Parr are very skilled in the industry our company works in — they’re great to work with. Both of our attorneys have chemistry backgrounds that make communicating the scientific results of our work very easy…. I would advise customers to work with Bereskin & Parr to develop a patent strategy, not just use their services to dictate patent filings. They steered us in the right direction when it came to our strategy — their talent is extremely valuable to customers.” – Anonymous, Clutch Reviews