Cassels’ new hires ‘elevate’ IP offering across US
Two new partners, who have been appointed at the Canadian law firm’s Toronto office, bring ‘extensive’ track records of success in complex patent litigation.
Canadian law firm Cassels Brock & Blackwell has appointed two new partners to its National Intellectual Property Group in Toronto— Andrew Skodyn and Sean Jackson, who took up their posts on December 1.
Reputed for their “extensive track records of success in complex patent litigation”, Skodyn and Jackson bring a “wealth of experience and knowledge of IP law, trial practice and the IP needs of a wide array of industries”, said Cassels.
Skodyn specialises in IP and commercial litigation, focusing on patent and trademark disputes, complex commercial conflicts, product liability defence, and class actions.
Known mostly for his pharmaceutical patent litigation, he also has extensive experience in other sectors including general life sciences, information technology and social media, professional services, manufacturing, agribusiness, banking, and oil and gas.
Skodyn is also well known as an advocate, with numerous trials and appeals in the Ontario and Federal Courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Jackson specialises in IP litigation, advocating for clients across several industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical products, oil and gas, and telecommunications.
With a focus on the pharmaceutical sector, he regularly guides clients through proceedings under the Patented Medicines Notice of Compliance Regulations (PM(NOC) Regulations).
Kristin Taylor, managing partner at the firm, commented: “I am delighted that Andrew and Sean have decided to join Cassels. Their expertise will not only complement but further elevate our position as an industry leader in intellectual property law across the country.
“The dynamic portfolios they bring align seamlessly with our commitment to providing tailored, business-minded solutions for our clients. The significant growth of this practice within the firm is both exciting and a solid foundation to continue to build on.”
Casey Chisick, chair of the National Intellectual Property Group at Cassels, added: “The trajectory of the Cassels IP practice is unmatched in Canada.
Noting the addition of several other top practitioners in patent, trademark, anticounterfeiting, and advertising and marketing law in the past two years, Chisick added: “Andrew has been a leader in his field for more than 20 years and Sean is a rising star. Together, they cement our position as a leader in patent litigation while also contributing to the new look of our IP practice. We could not be more excited to welcome them to our team.”
Commenting on his decision to join the firm, Skodyn said: “I am thrilled to enter the next phase of my career by joining one of Canada’s foremost IP practices. The prospect of working with this team of talented individuals nationwide is truly exciting and a significant step in my professional journey.
“Cassels’ growth, in IP and across the firm, is impressive, and I look forward to adding my contributions to the firm's already well-established status as an industry leader.”
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