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Dominique T. Hussey

Chief Executive Officer and Intellectual Property Litigator, Pharma/Biotech and Trademark Lawyer

Chief Executive Officer

Vincent M. de Grandpré

IP Lawyer | Life Sciences & Tech

Partner

Emily P. Kettel

Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner, Trademark Agent

In <em>Pharmascience v. Janssen Inc.</em>, the Supreme Court of Canada reaffirmed that methods of medical treatment remain unpatentable subject matter under the Patent Act because they are directed to the professional skill and judgment of healthcare practitioners. At the same time, the Court upheld the patentability of the dosing regimen claims at issue, clarifying that not all therapeutic or treatment-related claims constitute unpatentable methods of medical treatment. The decision provides important guidance on assessing patent eligibility for pharmaceutical and life sciences innovations in Canada.

Supreme Court of Canada Reaffirms that  Methods of Medical Treatment are Unpatentable

Supreme Court of Canada Confirms That Medical Professional Skill and Judgment Are Excluded From the Patent Bargain

Melissa M. Dimilta

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Intellectual Property, National Practice Group Leader 

As part of a deeply interconnected global sector, the life sciences industry in Canada is undergoing significant change alongside broad macroeconomic and geopolitical shifts.&nbsp;The Bennett Jones Life Sciences team looks at the top issues and developments affecting the industry in 2026.

2026 Life Sciences outlook

Legal and Market Trends to Watch This Year

Life Sciences Outlook 2026

Cross-border collaborations are central to the life sciences industry, but they can also raise complex questions about patent infringement liability in Canada. This update examines the Federal Court&rsquo;s recent decision in Adeia Guides Inc v Videotron Ltd and its implications for companies involved in the development, supply and commercialization of patented products and services. The authors explore how Canadian law approaches common design infringement, experimental use exemptions and the potential liability of foreign partners whose activities contribute to products ultimately sold in Canada.

Life Sciences Collaborations and the Risk of Joint Patent Infringement

Benjamin K. Reingold

Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Emma Danaher

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate 

Canada is advancing regulatory modernization through reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing duplication, and aligning with global standards. Key initiatives include streamlined biosimilar approval requirements, a proposed foreign reliance pathway for drug approvals, and amendments to medical device regulations. Together, these changes are expected to lower costs and accelerate market access for life sciences companies starting in 2026 and beyond.

Canada accelerates Regulatory Modernization

Biosimilar Approvals, Foreign Reliance Pathways and Global Harmonization

Canada Accelerates Regulatory Modernization

Akhila Sandhu

Summer Student

Morgan Sutherland

Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Michael C. Smith

Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

The United Nations has adopted the first global regulatory framework for Automated Driving Systems, establishing safety, cybersecurity, testing and monitoring requirements for Level 3, 4 and 5 automated vehicles. This article examines the framework&rsquo;s implications for Canada, including how Transport Canada may incorporate the requirements into domestic vehicle safety standards and what manufacturers and suppliers should consider as regulation evolves.

First Global Regulatory Framework For Autonomous Vehicles

First Global Regulatory Framework For Autonomous Vehicles: Key Takeaways For Canada And The Auto Industry

Ethan Z. Schiff

Class Actions & Commercial Litigation Lawyer

The Supreme Court of Canada&rsquo;s decision in SS&amp;C Technologies Canada Corporation v. Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, 2026 SCC 29, revisits the doctrine of spoliation and confirms that courts must draw an adverse inference when intentional destruction of relevant evidence is established. The decision provides guidance on the test for spoliation, the scope of mandatory adverse inferences and the importance of preserving evidence during litigation.

The Supreme Court of Canada Affirms Mandatory Adverse Inference in Cases of Spoliation

The Supreme Court of Canada Affirms Mandatory Adverse Inference for Spoliation

Evana Yukanna

Associate

Ontario court denies a late class action opt-out request, reinforcing settlement finality and confirming prejudice can arise before court approval.

Ontario Court Reinforces Finality of Class Proceedings in Rejecting Late Opt Out Request

Ontario Court Reinforces Finality of Class Proceedings in Rejecting Late Opt-Out Request

Martin Ignasiak KC

Energy & Industrial Projects Lawyer

Head of Energy Regulatory

Tyler McDonough

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Logan Lazurko

Energy & Regulatory Lawyer | Environmental

On June 17, 2026, the Alberta Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed an appeal by Fort McMurray 468 First Nation challenging an Alberta Energy Regulator decision that the First Nation lacked standing to request regulatory appeals of approvals issued to AdhMor Ltd. for an oilfield waste management facility near Fort McMurray. The decision in <em>Fort McMurray 468 First Nation v Alberta Energy Regulator</em>, 2026 ABCA 197, offers important guidance on what it takes to get in the door at the AER.

Alberta Court of Appeal Confirms Cumulative Effects are no Substitute for Evidence

No Standing Without Specifics: Alberta Court of Appeal Confirms that Cumulative Effects are no Substitute for Evidence

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Chambers Practice Guides Life Sciences

From the Same Authors

Supreme Court of Canada Confirms That Medical Professional Skill and Judgment Are Excluded From the Patent Bargain

Life Sciences Outlook 2026

Life Sciences Collaborations and the Risk of Joint Patent Infringement

Latest Insights

First Global Regulatory Framework For Autonomous Vehicles: Key Takeaways For Canada And The Auto Industry

The Supreme Court of Canada Affirms Mandatory Adverse Inference for Spoliation

Supreme Court of Canada Confirms That Medical Professional Skill and Judgment Are Excluded From the Patent Bargain

Ontario Court Reinforces Finality of Class Proceedings in Rejecting Late Opt-Out Request

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