The Pro Bono Cause
CHEO is the pediatric hospital in Canada’s capital region that helps over 500,000 kids each year in Ontario, Quebec and Nunavut.
Affiliated with the University of Ottawa, it is home to globally recognized clinicians and researchers in such areas as genetic discoveries, cancer, mental illness and more.
In 2014 CHEO launched a Federal Court challenge to change a law that allowed broad gene patents to impede genetic testing, diagnosis and treatment.
The Osler Pro Bono Connection
Osler IP partner, Nathaniel Lipkus and Gilbert’s LLP lawyer, Sana Halwani have worked for several years pro bono on this significant public policy issue.
The settlement reached between CHEO and the US patent holder will serve as a model for public access to future gene patents.
CHEO case wins 2016 LMG Life Sciences Award
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario v Transgenomic Inc has been named a “Canadian IP Contentious Impact Case of the Year” by LMG Life Sciences.
Volunteer Reflections
"Working with CHEO has been a highlight of my career. It was my absolute pleasure to have helped the hospital bring widespread access to genetic tests for Canadian patients. I am also proud to have shaped gene patent policy for the better." Nathaniel Lipkus
Nathaniel Lipkus: Intellectual Property Partner
nlipkus@osler.com
Toronto