Melanie Rowand

Melanie excels in the domain of intellectual property and regulatory law, with a particular emphasis on the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. Her expertise encompasses patent application processes, intellectual property transactions, and comprehensive legal guidance on patent validity and infringement issues. Melanie is adept at navigating the complexities of patent and regulatory landscapes in sectors involving innovative food products and pharmaceuticals, including obtaining approvals for novel foods and feeds. Her work is crucial in addressing the crossover between intellectual property rights and regulatory mandates, such as patent registrations, data exclusivity, pricing reviews by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, and the application for supplementary protection certificates.

With a postgraduate degree in botany, Melanie's scientific background enriches her legal practice, allowing her to offer nuanced advice that spans both her fields of expertise. Recognized as a patent agent in both Canada and the United States, she is an invaluable asset to clients navigating the intricacies of intellectual property law across borders.

Her contributions have been acknowledged with a designation as an associate to watch by Chambers Canada in 2024. Melanie is an active participant in the legal and scientific communities, holding memberships in several professional associations related to agricultural law, life sciences, and intellectual property.

Melanie’s educational credentials are impressive, with advanced degrees in law and science from the University of Toronto, further solidifying her unique position at the intersection of these fields. Since being admitted to the Ontario bar in 1999, she has consistently leveraged her extensive knowledge to benefit clients in sectors driven by innovation and regulatory compliance.