In 2020, Novo Nordisk, the global pharmaceutical company behind the blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic, lost something invaluable in Canada: their patent.
Not because a competitor out-innovated them.
Not because of a lawsuit.
But because their lawyers forgot to pay a small fee.
It started with a standard $250 maintenance fee for their Canadian patent.
Their legal team requested a refund for it, wanting more time to “decide” if they wanted to proceed.
The clock kept ticking. The government added a $200 late penalty.
Still, the fee went unpaid.
A year passed, and with no follow-up, the Canadian Patent Office officially let the patent lapse.
No exceptions. No second chances.
Just like that, the company lost exclusive rights to a drug estimated to generate over $2 billion a year, because of a missed $450 payment.
Let that sink in.
This isn't just a lesson in corporate missteps. It's a reminder of how the small stuff matters, especially when legal details are involved.
Now, this may sound like a dramatic corporate blunder that couldn’t possibly apply to everyday life.
But here’s the thing—we see versions of this mindset all the time, especially in real estate.
We often get inquiries that go something like:
“Can I save a few bucks if I use a cheaper lawyer?”
“Do I really need a full-service legal team for a simple home purchase?”
“My friend used someone for $100 less—why is your price higher?”
And look, we get it.
Real estate is expensive. Between deposits, taxes, land transfer fees, moving costs, and closing adjustments, it’s natural to want to trim wherever you can.
But here’s the part people don’t always see:
The lawyer is often the last professional to touch your transaction and the one responsible for ensuring it actually closes.
This is the moment when everything you’ve worked for, saved for, and planned for finally comes together.
And yet, it’s also where things can fall apart if even one detail is missed.
Choosing a lawyer isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s about how smooth or stressful that finish is.
Deals fall through because legal conditions weren’t satisfied in time.
Buyers blindsided by surprise fees or incorrect adjustments.
Sellers panic because wire transfers were delayed or paperwork went missing.
And almost every time, it’s not because someone intentionally dropped the ball—it’s because the process lacked structure, clarity, or proper communication.
These aren’t just hypothetical situations, they’re real stories we’ve heard from clients who came to us after a bad experience.
That’s why at Deeded, we do things differently.
So, how do you actually choose the right real estate lawyer?
Rather than starting with price, here’s what we suggest you ask:
- Will I get clear, timely communication throughout the process?
You should never be guessing what’s next or chasing your legal team for updates. - Is this lawyer experienced with my type of transaction?
Buying a condo is different from refinancing a rental. Experience matters. - Is the process efficient, transparent, and modern?
Can you upload documents securely online? Are costs clearly outlined upfront? - What do past clients say?
Look for testimonials that speak to the experience, not just the result. - Is this someone who will anticipate problems, not just react to them?
The best lawyers don’t just push paper—they prevent problems before they happen.
Where Deeded fits in
We created Deeded because we believe real estate closings should be simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Our platform connects you with trusted, experienced real estate lawyers across Canada.
You get flat-fee pricing, a guided digital experience, and real-time updates—so you’re never left in the dark.
More importantly, we’re obsessed with making sure you not only close your deal, but feel supported and confident every step of the way.
The bottom line?
Trying to save $100 on legal fees might seem smart in the moment.
But if that decision leads to a delayed closing, a missed adjustment, or a legal issue down the line, it’s not really saving anything at all.
Just ask Novo Nordisk—sometimes, the smallest legal details are the ones that cost the most.
Looking for a real estate lawyer who treats your closing like it’s their own?
We’re here to help.
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