About

Provided by Bristows LLP

Bristows has one of the most highly-regarded life sciences practices in the world.

We have a true cross-disciplinary team of over 80 lawyers in this space encompassing our renowned IP practice, regulatory, competition,  transactional, dispute resolution, IT and data protection teams.  The strength of each individual practice complements the others to provide a fully integrated and comprehensive service.

Our life sciences specialists - many with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and neuroscience -  advise clients from the different key participants making up the life sciences eco-system.  As such we act for global pharma, specialist investors, growing biotech and medtech companies, universities and research institutes, specialist service providers and government funded bodies.  Our clients also include tech companies now entering the sector as convergence takes hold.

Clients come to us for advice on issues including intellectual property disputes and the coordination of disputes in multiple jurisdictions – whether patents, trade marks or confidential information – and freedom to operate analysis, as well as disputes arising from collaborations and other contractual arrangements.

We advise on the navigation of the regulatory regime for complex new products, spin-outs, financings, IPOs and other exits, the application of competition law to developing business models and on the validity, enforcement and exploitation of novel plant variety rights.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Life Sciences: Transactional - UK-wide
2
Band 2
What the Team is Known For

Bristows has a superb patent litigation and IP practice. It provides excellent advice on UK and European regulatory frameworks and also commercial and corporate transactions for emerging innovators as well as giants of the life sciences industry. It is a leading destination for advice with regard to digital health and medtech, and associated data privacy issues.

Work Highlights

Provided by Bristows LLP
  • Bristows advised Syncona on the establishment and financing of ophthalmic gene therapy company, Beacon Therapeutics, following a £96 million Series A financing.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Brian Cordery
1
Brian Cordery
1
Band 1

Brian Cordery marshals winning arguments on behalf of the world's leading pharmaceutical and life sciences corporations in business-critical and highly complex patent disputes. His experience spans patent revocation, infringement and matters with parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.

"Brian is incredibly well regarded. He is really experienced and highly knowledgeable."

"Brian is the best: he's really experienced and knows the life sciences patent litigation sector inside-out."

"Brian is well respected for his role in some of the most challenging cases."

Alex Denoon
2
Alex Denoon
2
Band 2

Alex Denoon advises pharmaceutical, medical device and biotech companies on how best to comply with the various regulatory frameworks governing the sector. He often handles the complex regulatory aspects of acquisitions and commercial transactions.

"A regulatory expert. One of the most knowledgeable people in this area, Alex is a go-to for regulatory advice especially medical devices."

"Alex is a brilliant lawyer and very experienced with medical technology."

"Alex swiftly identifies issues and produces really quick and helpful contributions. He comes up with business-oriented solutions and is very willing to roll his sleeves up."

Matthew Warren
2
Matthew Warren
2
Band 2

Matthew Warren leads the firm's commercial IP practice and has a notable profile acting on the manufacture and development of pharmaceutical products. He is well thought of for his work on behalf of growth-stage and well-established innovators in life sciences.

"Matthew is hugely experienced. He stands out at spotting issues and the way he is able to very succinctly address them as they arise."

Claire Smith
3
Claire Smith
3
Band 3

Claire Smith advises clients in the life sciences sector on commercial transactions covering partnering agreements, collaboration, and licensing. She also advises on the IP and commercial aspects of corporate deals. Her client list comprises notable pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

"Claire is very knowledgeable with a deep understanding of licensing. She is pragmatic, personable, has a can-do attitude and always goes the extra mile."

"Claire has an understanding of the market. She is sensible and rational and helps us find effective, practical solutions."

"A go-to lawyer. Claire Smith is pragmatic and knowledgeable. She is super to work with and very easily resolves issues that arises."

Liz Cohen
3
Liz Cohen
3
Band 3

Liz Cohen counsels sector clients on patent litigation and registry strategies. She has extensive experience with regard to small molecule and biosimilar patents. She has extensive experience of coordinating disputes across different jurisdictions.

"Liz is excellent. She is really calm, effective and offers fantastic client care."

"Liz is a very experienced and reliable person. Her attitude and empathy makes her a very nice person to work with as she is able to build a sentiment of trust and team spirit."

Richard Dickinson
3
Richard Dickinson
3
Band 3

Richard Dickinson co-heads the life sciences department at Bristows. He is a transactional lawyer who advises clients in the life sciences sector on commercial contracts. His scientific background helps him to approach transactions from a technical point of view.

Rob Burrows
3
Rob Burrows
3
Band 3

Rob Burrows represents market-leading corporations in patent litigation relating to blockbuster drugs and medical devices. He is also an authority in the field of plant varieties.

"Robert is very calm and considered, he gives great advice and is easy to work with."

Xisca Borras
U
Xisca Borras
U
Up and Coming

Xisca Borras is adept at advising life sciences companies on the full spectrum of EU and UK regulatory law. She has a particular focus on medical technology and the biopharmaceutical sectors.

"Xisca has a deep understanding of the pharmaceuticals industry."

"Xisca is a very sensible and helpful regulatory partner."

"Xisca has remarkable responsiveness. She advices us with diligence and she is mindful of the different approaches that we can have as a company. Her advice is always adapted to our specificities."

Ranked Lawyers at
Bristows LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation

Brian Cordery
1
Brian Cordery
1
Band 1
Liz Cohen
3
Liz Cohen
3
Band 3
Rob Burrows
3
Rob Burrows
3
Band 3
Life Sciences: Regulatory

Alex Denoon
2
Alex Denoon
2
Band 2
Xisca Borras
U
Xisca Borras
U
Up and Coming
Life Sciences: Transactional

Matthew Warren
2
Matthew Warren
2
Band 2
Claire Smith
3
Claire Smith
3
Band 3
Richard Dickinson
3
Richard Dickinson
3
Band 3

Members

Provided by Bristows LLP

Claire Smith

David Horner

Dom Adair

Gemma Barrett

Gregory Bacon

Liz Cohen

Liz Cohen

Head of Department

Marek Petecki

Rachel Mumby

Richard Dickinson

Head of Department

Xisca Borrás

Industries

Provided by Bristows LLP

Animal Health

Biotech

Digital Health

Food & Agriculture

Health Care

Medical Devices

Pharma

Plant Varieties

Regenerative Medicine