Robert MacFarlane, General Attorney in the United States
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on General, Litigation, and Patent · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratBereskin & Parr LLP
Practicing general since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
Practices in
Are you Robert MacFarlane?
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Quick answer
Robert MacFarlane is a partner based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Patent. Robert has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bereskin & Parr LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Toronto, ON
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- General · Litigation · Patent
- Handles General, Litigation, and Patent matters from Toronto, ON.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Robert MacFarlane: Robert MacFarlane is a partner based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Patent. Robert has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bereskin & Parr LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Robert's practice areas in the U.S.
Robert concentrates on general, litigation, and patent. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Litigation
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Patent
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General cases nationwide
Robert takes general matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases nationwide
Robert takes litigation matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Patent cases nationwide
Robert takes patent matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
Robert MacFarlane, general attorney serving the U.S.
Robert MacFarlane is a partner based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Patent. Robert has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bereskin & Parr LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review. Robert works from the U.S. and takes on general matters across the region.
Robert MacFarlane is a lawyer practicing patents, mechanical & industrial processes, litigation. Robert received a degree from St. Francis Xavier and the Technical University of Nova Scotia in 1969, and has been licensed for 49 years. Robert practices at Bereskin & Parr LLP in Toronto, ON.
How Robert handles general matters
Robert MacFarlane is a lawyer practicing patents, mechanical & industrial processes, litigation. Robert received a degree from St. Francis Xavier and the Technical University of Nova Scotia in 1969, and has been licensed for 49 years. Robert practices at Bereskin & Parr LLP in Toronto, ON.
Who Robert represents
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, litigation, and patent matters in the United States.
Credentials
Credentials — where Robert studied and practices
Queen's University
LL.B. · 1973
St. Francis Xavier and the Technical University of Nova Scotia
B.Eng. St. · 1969
Robert studied at LL.B. in Queen's University and B.Eng. St. in St. Francis Xavier and the Technical University of Nova Scotia.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed LL.B. in Queen's University and B.Eng. St. in St. Francis Xavier and the Technical University of Nova Scotia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Robert's legal honors and published work
Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Robert's professional memberships and bar associations
International Trademark Assocation (INTA) Litigation Cases MediaTube Corp. et al. v. Bell Canada et al. Representing MediaTube in an action for patent infringement relating to Internet protocol TV services. Counsel: Robert MacFarlane and Josh Spicer (2013
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T-1661-07) DBC Marine Safety Systems Ltd. v. Canada (Commissioner of Patents) Retained by the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada to bring an application for leave to intervene in an appeal involving the interpretation of the Patent Act, R.S.C. 1985
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) Pfizer Canada Inc. et al. v. Novopharm Limited et al. Acted for Pfizer in Patented Medicine Notice of Compliance (PMNOC) proceedings relating to the COX II inhibitor anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (brand name CELEBREX). The hearing judge dismissed the
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A-66-07) Ulextra Inc. ats. Pronto Luce Inc. Represented Ulextra in the defence of an action alleging copyright infringement, passing off and infringement of various industrial design registrations by the sale of various lighting fixture designs. Obtained
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T-2059-03,T-26-05) Weatherford Canada Partnership et al. v. National-Oilwell Inc. et al. Represented Weatherford Canada in a patent infringement damages action against National-Oilwell relating to rotary drive technology for down-hole oil pumps. Action se
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T-167-99
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T-779-01) Royal Canadian Mint ats. Westaim Corporation Represented the Royal Canadian Mint in the defence of a patent infringement action relating to the production of blanks for minting into coins. The patent was declared invalid at trial. An appeal was
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A-32-03) Illinois Tool Works Inc. et al. v. Cobra Anchors Co. Ltd. Acted for ITW in an action and appeal for patent infringement relating to wall anchors. Counsel: Robert MacFarlane, Andrew McIntosh and Brigitte Chan (Reported decisions: 2002 FCT 829, 200
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A-522-02) Interface Flooring Systems (Canada) Inc. ats. Milliken & Co. Acted for Interface Flooring System in the defence of a copyright proceeding relating to the design of floor tiles installed at the Calgary airport. The claim for copyright infringemen
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Locations
Robert MacFarlane's office in Toronto
Robert's primary office is at Scotia Plaza, 40 King Street West, 40th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5H 3Y2. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Bereskin & Parr LLP
Scotia Plaza, 40 King Street West, 40th Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 3Y2
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Robert MacFarlane — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in your area.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert MacFarlane claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Robert MacFarlane — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Robert
Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Robert MacFarlane
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in this state typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside the area?
Robert evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Robert's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Robert?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new general clients right now?
Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.