Yoon Kang is Principal at Smart & Biggar, located in the Toronto office. With a reputation as a knowledgeable and pragmatic problem-solver, Yoon is a trusted legal advisor and leader in the life sciences industry.
Yoon counsels global pharmaceutical innovators and research institutions on all aspects of patent rights, including those pertaining to small molecules and biologics inventions. Her commitment to her clients’ success is clear in her work. She has significant experience as lead counsel, representing pharmaceutical clients before the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal in complex patent litigation, including under the Patented Medicines (Notice of Compliance) Regulations. Most recently, Yoon and her team successfully appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada on the controversial question of “promised utility.” The Supreme Court of Canada, in an important and highly anticipated decision, AstraZeneca Canada Inc v Apotex Inc (2017 SCC 36), rejected the “promise doctrine” and clarified the requirement for patent “utility” in Canada. The unanimous decision represents an important victory for innovators seeking protection in Canada.
Recognized throughout her career as an outstanding lawyer, Yoon was named ‘Patent Lawyer of the Year’ for North America in 2021 and as the ‘Best Lawyer in Life Sciences’ in North America in 2018 by Euromoney Legal Media Group at the Americas Women in Business Law Awards.
Updated July 2023
