Aird & Berlis | Aird & McBurney Recognized in 2026 Edition of IAM Patent 1000

"Aird & Berlis LLP stands out in the Canadian market for the depth and breadth of its patent capability, supporting clients across the full arc of IP protection and enforcement. The firm is trusted with sophisticated patent portfolios, contentious disputes and strategically significant IP-driven transactions, frequently embedding patent advice within wider corporate and commercial mandates where technology is a core business asset. Market observers note that the team 'do excellent work and leave no stone left unturned,' a reputation built on rigorous analysis, commercial awareness and consistent delivery.

On the prosecution side, the firm demonstrates particular strength in managing large-scale, multinational portfolios. Jay Millman, a dual-qualified Canadian and US patent agent, brings an engineer’s perspective to mechanical, electromechanical and software inventions, enabling him to engage directly with inventors and secure robust protection at an early stage. Co-heading the IP group, Kimberly McManus is widely recognised for her strategic approach to portfolio building, advising on everything from patentability and freedom-to-operate to valuation-driven due diligence. She has been instrumental in the worldwide prosecution work carried out for Canadian public-sector and life sciences innovators, including confidential mandates involving government research bodies and advanced medical technologies. Kitt Sinden complements this strength with deep scientific training and pharmaceutical industry experience, allowing him to guide complex patent and design applications smoothly through to grant while aligning protection with clients’ commercial objectives. His practice includes overseeing global prosecution and licensing work for companies commercialising safety and industrial technologies.

Portfolio management expertise is further reinforced by Lola Bartoszewicz, who is highly regarded for her ability to obtain and maintain enforceable rights across complex scientific fields, and for her role advising multinational consumer goods businesses on Canadian patent prosecution and enforcement. Erica Lowthers focuses on life sciences and medical devices, managing diverse patent portfolios and advising on infringement and validity issues, including work for nanotechnology companies developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic platforms.

Litigation capability is anchored by seasoned practitioners such as Timothy Lowman, who brings more than four decades of experience to high-stakes patent disputes and technology licensing, and by Kaitlin Soye, whose Federal Court practice spans regulatory and IP litigation for pharmaceutical, life sciences and technology clients. Ryan Evans adds further strength on the contentious side, handling enforcement and infringement matters across chemically and biologically complex technologies, earning praise for his 'professionalism, responsiveness and ability to manage multiple risk factors with precision'."