About
Erica helps innovative organizations protect, develop and maximize the value of their intellectual property. She advises clients on patent strategy, portfolio development, global portfolio management and the procurement of patent rights in Canada and around the world.
Erica is Co-Leader of the firm's Life Sciences Group and a member of the Intellectual Property Group. She is a registered Patent Agent in Canada and the United States. Erica works with innovators at every stage of development, from university researchers and academic hospitals advancing early-stage discoveries, to venture-backed companies building value through intellectual property and established multinational organizations managing sophisticated global patent portfolios. Her clients include pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, medical device and agricultural technology companies, as well as in-house counsel and international law firms seeking strategic guidance on Canadian patent matters.
Known for her practical, business-focused approach, Erica works closely with clients to develop intellectual property strategies that align with commercial objectives, regulatory pathways and budget realities.
At the heart of Erica's practice is a genuine enthusiasm for science and innovation. She enjoys working directly with inventors, researchers, technology transfer professionals and business leaders to understand complex technologies, identify opportunities and craft strong patent protection. Clients value her ability to quickly grasp sophisticated scientific concepts, think creatively and develop clear, strategically drafted patent applications that support long-term business objectives.
Erica's practice focuses on life sciences technologies, including pharmaceuticals, biologics, biotechnology, diagnostics, genomics, immunology, medical devices and agricultural innovations. She regularly assists clients with patent drafting and prosecution, freedom-to-operate and patentability assessments and strategic intellectual property counselling.
Before beginning her legal career, Erica earned a PhD in Pharmacology from Dalhousie University. Her research focused on oncology, cellular biology, biochemistry and pharmacology, providing the scientific foundation that continues to inform her patent practice today.
In addition to her client work, Erica is committed to supporting the next generation of intellectual property professionals. She mentors junior patent practitioners and previously served on the Canadian Patent Agent Examination Board.
Professional Involvement
Professional Activities
Erica is a member of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada's (IPIC) Women in IP Community. She was a member of the IPIC Patent Agent Training Committee in 2022 and has also previously served on the Canadian Patent Agent Examining Board for the qualification of Canadian Patent Agents from 2019 until 2022.
Memberships
- Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC)
- Toronto Intellectual Property Group (TIPG)
- Life Sciences Ontario (LSO)
- Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM)
- American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
- College of Patent Agent & Trademark Agents (CPATA)
"Psychedelics: A Complex and Changing Regulatory Landscape Focused on Scientific Research and IP Protection," Aird & Berlis LLP Psychedelics Webinar, January 18, 2023.
"Patent Waivers: Good, Bad or Indifferent?," Pop-up CPD Webinar, June 1, 2021.
"The Science of Psychedelics: How Law & Science Support the Sector," Aird & Berlis LLP Virtual Industry Update Webinar, September 22, 2020.
"Protecting Your Intellectual Property During the Cannabis Boom," Aird & Berlis LLP Intellectual Property Webinar, May 3, 2018.
"Growing Your 'Cannabusiness': From Seeds to the Stock Exchange," Aird & Berlis LLP Cannabis Webinar, September 27, 2017.
"Securing Intellectual Property Rights: Why Protect Your Inventions and Designs?", Aird & Berlis LLP Intellectual Property Webinar, June 8, 2017.