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 (F)RAND remedies, with experience litigating several cases in the software and telecommunications sectors dealing with these novel and important 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.

Nisha is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, the Trial Lawyer Honorary Society, and a member of the Trial Law Institute and Diversity Law Institute.

* Practicing through Nisha Anand Professional Corporation

Representative Cases

• Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd v Auro Pharma Inc (2025): Counsel for defendant in patent litigation under the PMNOC Regulations relating to empagliflozin and empagliflozin-metformin tablets.
• Bayer Inc et al v Samsung Bioepis Co, Ltd (2024): Counsel for defendants in biosimilar litigation under the PMNOC Regulations relating to seven patents for aflibercept.
• Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co, Ltd v Accord Healthcare Inc (2023): Counsel for defendant in patent litigation under the PMNOC Regulations on two patents relating to brexpiprazole.
• Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc et al v Accord Healthcare Inc and Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd (2024 FC 424): Counsel for the defendants in a patent infringement action relating to methotrexate – successfully invalidated plaintiffs’ patent and obtained a full dismissal of the infringement action on behalf of the clients.
• Wi-LAN Inc v Apple Inc (2021-2022): Counsel to patentee Wi-LAN in a patent infringement action involving Standards Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND remedies in the cellular communication industry.
• ViiV Healthcare Company et al v Gilead Sciences, Inc (2020 FC 486, 2021 FCA 122): Counsel for Gilead in a patent infringement action relating to bictegravir – successfully obtained judgment for non-infringement at a contested summary trial.
• Apotex Inc v Merck Sharp and Dohme Corp (2015-2017): Counsel to Merck in an action for damages under the Statute of Monopolies and Trademarks Act.
• Paladin Labs Inc v Minister of Health and Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc (2015-2016): Counsel to Paladin Labs in an application for judicial review of a decision by the Minister of Health.
• Gilead Sciences, Inc v Teva Canada Ltd (2015): Counsel to Gilead in a proceeding under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) regulations and a patent infringement action (tenofovir).
• Gilead Sciences, Incc v Apotex Inc et al (2016 FC 856): Counsel to Gilead in a proceeding under the PMNOC Regulations (tenofovir).
• Apotex Inc v Pfizer Inc et al (2014-2016): Counsel to Pfizer in a section 8 damages action pursuant to the PMNOC Regulations (atorvastatin).
• Apotex Inc v Hoffman-La Roche Ltd (2013-2015): Counsel to Hoffman La-Roche in a section 8 damages action pursuant to the PMNOC Regulations.
• Apotex Inc v Eli Lilly Canada Inc (2013): Counsel to Eli Lilly in a section 8 damages action pursuant to the PMNOC Regulations.
• Weatherford Canada Ltd et al v Corlac Industries et al (2008-2010): Counsel to the defendants (and appellant on appeal) in a patent infringement action relating to oil pump equipment.  

Awards and Recognition

• Chambers Global: Intellectual Property Litigation
• Chambers Canada: Intellectual Property Litigation
• Benchmark Litigation – Intellectual Property: Litigation Star
• Best Lawyers in Canada: Intellectual Property Law
• Lexpert Canada: Intellectual Property – Consistently Recommended  
• Lexpert Canada: Litigation-Intellectual Property – Repeatedly Recommended
• Lexpert Special Edition: Technology & Health – Leading Lawyer
• IAM 1000: Recommended Individual
• Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars: Patent Star
• Who’s Who Legal Canada: Life Sciences – Recommended  
• Who’s 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. “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. “Protein elongation factor EEF1A2 is a putative oncogene in ovarian cancer” Nat Genet Jul 31(3):301-5 (2002)