Patent filings in Canada have remained steady from 2019 to 2023, with a total of 199,080 applications submitted by 976 firms during this period. Notably, nearly 75% of these filings were managed by the top 20 firms. This underscores the dominance of specialized patent prosecution firms in the Canadian market.
Rank: Largest 20 Patent Prosecution Firms in Canada
The largest 20 patent prosecution firms in Canada collectively handled 150,089 applications over five years. These firms have maintained their top positions year after year. This suggests a high level of trust in their services. According to IP Pilot data, SMART & BIGGAR, GOWLING WLG, and NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT hold the top three positions, managing 36% of all filings from 2019 to 2023. These firms are expected to retain their leadership through 2024 as well.
Beyond the top 20, a few firms have seen significant growth in filings:
- CPST INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC. and ROWAND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW experienced a 63% increase in filings.
- HINTON, JAMES W. saw a remarkable 124% growth.
- MBM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AGENCY recorded an extraordinary 32,100% rise.
Overall Patent Landscape in Canada
Of the nearly 200,000 patent applications filed in Canada, 7% originated from foreign innovators. While 5% were filed by Canadian applicants internationally. The majority of these cases were handled by the top six law firms: SMART & BIGGAR, GOWLING WLG, BERESKIN & PARR, NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT, ROBIC, and BORDEN LADNER GERVAIS LLP.
Most of these firms focus on international clients, with foreign work making up more than 60% of their cases. A few firms, such as PERRY + CURRIER (PCKIP), BCF BUSINESS LAW, and ADE & COMPANY, specialize more in domestic filings, with a lower share of work coming from foreign entities.
Interestingly, 77% of the total applications filed by Canadian firms were processed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) route. This shows the importance of this international filing system for Canadian innovators.
Canada: Number of Patent Applications and Shares of Foreign Filings per Firm
Case Exchange Trends in Canada
From 2019 to 2023, Canadian patent firms sent 10,487 cases to foreign associates, primarily to the US, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, and China. This accounted for nearly 75% of outbound cases. In return, Canadian firms received 14,266 cases from their global counterparts, mostly from the US, China, Great Britain, and Germany.
Canada’s high level of patent case exchange with the US is unsurprising, given the proximity and strong economic ties. However, it is notable that China sent 1,398 cases to Canada but received only 362 cases in return from Canadian firms. This highlights the strategic importance Canada holds for Chinese innovators, while Canadian firms appear to be more focused on other markets.
Law Firms Receiving Most Cases from Canada: Country Breakdown 2019-2023
Law Firms Sending Most Cases to Canada: Country Breakdown 2019-2023
Conclusion
Between 2019 and 2023, 976 Canadian firms managed 199,080 patent applications. The top 20 firms, led by SMART & BIGGAR, GOWLING WLG, and NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT, filed 36% of all patents. Canada sent 10,487 patent cases abroad while receiving 14,266 from international firms. Notably, China views Canada as a key player in its global filing strategy, contributing 10% of all foreign filings in Canada during this period.
This data reinforces Canada’s prominent position in the global patent landscape, as both a destination and an origin for innovation.
