In a unique tie-up, the Canadian affiliate of international intellectual property firm Marks & Clerk is combining with Toronto-based IP boutiques Sim & McBurney and Sim Ashton & McKay to create a full-service IP practice north of the border.

The merger, which is set to go live on Tuesday, will create two separate entities. Marks & Clerk Canada will provide patent and trademark agency services. Another outfit, Marks & Clerk Law, will specialize in IP legal services, such as commercial law and IP litigation.