Nisha Anand – Gilbert's LLP

Biography

Nisha is a strategic, creative and fearless advocate who provides comprehensive advice on Canadian and multi-jurisdictional litigation. She has represented clients before the Ontario Superior Court and Federal Court of Canada in matters related to all aspects of intellectual property.

Nisha’s practice focuses primarily on patent litigation in various industry sectors, including pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and oil and gas. She also advises clients on intellectual property and litigation strategy, and pharmaceutical clients on regulatory matters with Health Canada.

In the life sciences sector, Nisha has represented both brand and generic companies in patent infringement actions and proceedings under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. Nisha is also recognized for her expertise on Standards-Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND issues, with experience litigating several cases in the software and telecommunications sectors dealing with these issues.

A scientist-turned-litigator, Nisha completed a PhD in molecular biology, genetics and cancer at McMaster University prior to obtaining her law degree from the University of Toronto. Nisha is active in the local legal community. She frequently volunteers to speak on panels related to advocacy or intellectual property, judge moots, teach trial advocacy, and to mentor young lawyers.

Representative Cases

Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc. et al v. Accord Healthcare Inc. and Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., T-1007-20 (2022-2023): Counsel for the defendants in a patent infringement action relating to methotrexate formulations
The Haudenosaunee Development Institute v. Garlow Media d/b/a/ Two Row Times et al, CV-23-00699171-0000 (2023) Counsel to The Haudenosaunee Development Institute in an action for libel and defamation
The Incorporated d.b.a. The Tragically Hip v. Trillium Beverage Inc. d.b.a Mill Street Brewery, T-236-21 (2021-2022): Counsel to The Tragically Hip in a trademark and copyright infringement action related to the song name “At the Hundredth Meridian”
Wi-LAN Inc. v. Apple Inc. et al, T-893-21 (2021-2022): Counsel to Wi-LAN in a patent infringement action involving issues related to Standards Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND remedies
ViiV Healthcare Company et al. v. Gilead Sciences, Inc., 2020 FC 486, 2021 FCA 122: Counsel to Gilead in a patent infringement action where non-infringement was decided by contested summary trial
Pliteq Inc. v. Sof Surfaces Inc., CV-18-00611575-0000 (2021-2022): Counsel to Pliteq in an action for trademark infringement and making false and misleading representations under the Trademarks and Competition Acts
Ecore International Inc. v. Pliteq Inc. T-1479-19 (2020-2021) Co-counsel to Pliteq in a patent infringement action
Pliteq Inc. v. Ecore International, Inc. T-875-16 (2020-2021): Co-counsel to Pliteq in an action for trademark infringement and making false and misleading representations under the Trademarks and Competition Acts
Pliteq Inc. v. Ecore International Inc. et al, T-365-20 (2020-2021): Counsel to Pliteq Inc. in a patent infringement action
Pliteq Inc. v. Wilrep Ltd., T-554-16 (2020-2021): Counsel to Pliteq in an action for trademark infringement and making false and misleading representations under the Trademarks and Competition Acts
Wi-LAN Inc. v. Bell Mobility Inc., Rogers Communications Canada Inc. and Telus Communications Company, T-303-16, T-304-16 and T-301-16 (2018-2020): Counsel to Wi-LAN in a patent infringement action involving issues related to Standards Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND remedies
Wi-LAN Inc. v. LG Electronics, Inc. et al, T-1349-17 (2017-2020): Counsel to Wi-LAN in a patent infringement action involving issues related to Standards Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND remedies
Safe Gaming System Inc. v. Atlantic Lottery Corporation et al., 2018 FC 871 (2017): Counsel to Safe Gaming System in a patent infringement action
Gilead Sciences, Inc. et al. v Apotex Inc. et al., 2016 FC 856: Counsel to Gilead in a proceeding under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations
Gilead Sciences, Inc. v Teva Canada Ltd, T-1888-15 (2015): Counsel to Gilead in a proceeding under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) regulations and a related patent infringement action
Apotex Inc. v. Merck Sharp and Dohme Corp., CV-1200-454108-0000 (2015-2017): Counsel to Merck in an action for damages under the Statute of Monopolies and Trademarks Act
Apotex Inc. v. Pfizer Inc. et al, T-1736-10 (2014-2016): Counsel to Pfizer in a section 8 damages action pursuant to the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations
Paladin Labs Inc. v. The Minister of Health and Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., T-157-16 (2015-2016): Counsel to Paladin Labs in an application for judicial review of a decision by the Minister of Health
Apotex Inc. v. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, T-1165-09 (2013-2015): Counsel to Hoffman La-Roche in a section 8 damages action pursuant to the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations
Apotex Inc. v. Eli Lilly Canada Inc, T-1321-97 (2013): Counsel to Eli Lilly in a section 8 damages action pursuant to the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations
Weatherford Canada Ltd. et al v. Corlac Industries (1998) Ltd. et al, T-1236-01 (2008-2010): Counsel to the defendants in a patent infringement action and the appellants in the subsequent appeal

Recognition

Best Lawyers in Canada: Intellectual Property Law
Canadian Lexpert Directory: Intellectual Property – Consistently Recommended
Canadian Lexpert Directory: Litigation-Intellectual Property – Repeatedly Recommended
Lexpert Special Edition: Technology & Health – Leading Lawyer
IAM 1000 – Recommended Individual
IP Stars – Patent Star
Who’s Who Legal Canada: Life Sciences – Recommended
Whos’ Who Legal Canada: Patents – Recommended
Canadian Institute for Health Research Doctoral Research Award (2003-2005)
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2003-2004)

Publications

“Canada: SEPs and FRAND – Litigation, Policy and Latest Developments.” IAM Media (8 Dec 2023)
“Patented Medicines Notice of Compliance Regulations” Chapter in Life Sciences Law in Canada, 2nd ed. (Carswell)
“Recent Trends in Canadian Biologics Patent Litigation” FDLI Update, 2014
“Functional Pharma Claim Flawed, Finds Federal Court of Canada”, APLF IP Law Bugle, 2010
Thornton S, Anand N, Purcell D, Lee J. (2003) Not just for housekeeping: protein initiation and elongation factors in cell growth and tumorigenesis. J Mol Med. 81(9): 536-48, 2003
Anand N, Murthy S, Amann G, Wernick M, Porter LA, Cukier IH, Collins C, Gray JW, Diebold J, Demetrick DJ, Lee JM. (2002) Protein elongation factor EEF1A2 is a putative oncogene in ovarian cancer. Nat Genet. Jul; 31(3):301-5.