Recognized as one of Canada's leading IP litigators, Christopher Van Barr has considerable experience in complex pharmaceutical and high-tech patent as well as trademark, copyright and trade secret litigation. Outside court, Chris provides strategic advice on the enforcement of IP rights and the management of litigation strategies throughout multiple global jurisdictions. He acts on behalf of leading national and international pharma, medical devices, aerospace, software, manufacturing and info tech clients. Chris was an Adjunct Professor of Patent Law at the University of Ottawa and has been a registered patent agent since 2000. Recipient of IPIC’s 2025 Peter W. McBurney Memorial Award for Professional Excellence, recognized in Chambers Global, Chambers Canada, Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars (named “Canadian IP Litigator of the Year in 2017”), IAM Patent 1000 and Expert Guides: Patents. Chris received the Best Lawyers 2020 and 2026 Intellectual Property Law "Lawyer of the Year" award in Ottawa and in 2021 and 2023, he was similarly recognized in the field of Biotechnology Law (and Life Sciences). He was named an IAM Global Leaders 2023-2026, included in the Legal 500 Canada 2023 - 2026 Halls of Fame and named in the Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyers 2023 list.
