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London: Corporate and commercial
Commercial contracts
Commercial contracts - ranked: tier 6
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLP is praised for providing advice that is βrelevant and pragmatic, taking into account the value risk and nature of the contractβ. The firm has a strong track record in commercial matters that have a significant brands, technology or intellectual property overlay. Although it acts for clients across a range of industries, it is particularly active in sectors such as TMT, life sciences and pharmaceuticals. Adrian Sim, Kevin Appleton and others recently acted for Capgemini in a number of outsourcings and other transformational projects, and have been advising the client on the development of robotic process automation and its provision in the finance and accounting outsourcing market. In another matter, Laura Anderson and Marek Petecki advised Diageo on a joint venture with entrepreneur Piers Adam to develop a new whisky brand, Copper Dog, among other matters. Also recommended are Toby Crick, who is βa lawyer you want in your corner on all dealsβ, Matthew Warren, Fiona Nicolson and the βtechnically excellentβ Vikram Khurana. Anna Cook joined from RPC, while Robert Bond joined with a team from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.
EU and competition
EU and competition - ranked: tier 4
Bristows LLP
The βresponsiveβ and βcommercially-focusedβ team at Bristows LLP is well regarded for its expertise in the IP and TMT sectors, where it provides an βinventiveβ and βhighly tailoredβ approach to clients including Google, Samsung, International Copyright Enterprise Services, Sony, and Laboratoires Servier. Practice head Pat Treacy is advising longstanding client Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe on resisting a potential interim injunction application in relation to abuse of dominance allegations, while Stephen Smith (who joined from RPC, is providing strategic advice to the British Brands Group in relation to the operation of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice. Other recent work includes advising Denon and Marantz in respect of the European Commissionβs investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices in the EU. Treacy and newly made-up partner Sophie Lawrance provide βhighly bespoke advice in a measured and digestible wayβ; they are praised for their βin-depth knowledgeβ of the TMT and IP sectors.
M&A: smaller deals, up to Β£50m
M&A: smaller deals, up to Β£50m - ranked: tier 1
Bristows LLP
Commended for its βexcellent serviceβ and βgood value for moneyβ, Bristows LLPβs department is strong in the TMT and life sciences sectors; it also has notable experience in the consumer goods space. Life sciences expert Mark Hawes, who heads the group, acted for Albireo on its NASDAQ listing and its $200m reverse merger with Biodel. The βhighly responsive, commercialβ Marek Petecki is a βstandout partnerβ who βfinds and communicates practicable solutions to issues, and tailors his work carefullyβ; he is noted for his strength in M&A involving IP and technology. Peteckiβs highlights included advising AstraZeneca on the Β£135m sale of its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Avonmouth to Avara, and assisted Diageo with its acquisition of a stake in a joint venture established by Piers Adam to develop a new whisky brand. The βvery commercialβ Iain Redford is an βexcellent business strategistβ; he advised WPP on its purchase of System Analytic and of Exchange Lab. Louise Eldridge acted for King.com on its investment in Midoki, while Matt Dennis assisted Blackboard with its purchase of Fronteer. Other clients of the practice include UCL Business, Freeview, Capgemini and Time Out. βEfficient, communicativeβ associate Charles Willison is a βvery good operatorβ.
Partnership
Partnership - ranked: tier 5
Bristows LLP
The βpartner-ledβ practice group at Bristows LLP has βgood expertise in the area of partnershipβ, acting for investment partnerships and professional partnerships. Joint department head Iain Redford specialises in investment partnerships and also has particular expertise in refinancing partnerships. In 2016, he acted for multiple individual members in relation to the sale of their LLP. Joint practice head Marek Petecki βcombines detailed knowledge of partnership law with business acumenβ and is instructed by a range of corporates and investment clients. Louise Eldridge is another key contact in the department and is instructed by two LLC subsidiaries of a US client on the establishment of two UK-based LLPs.
London: Dispute resolution
Commercial litigation
Commercial litigation - ranked: tier 5
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLPβs βlawyers are excellent; they are consistently responsive and the quality of their legal advice is top drawerβ. The commercial and technology disputes team promoted Angela Fouracre, who βimpresses with the high quality of her workβ, and Anna Cook, who is βextremely able and commercialβ, to the partnership. It has particular industry sector expertise in IT, consumer products and life sciences, and has recently grown its practice in both disputes relating to the misuse of confidential information and the work it handles for financial services businesses. The team also regularly acts in cross-border Russian and CIS-related litigation and arbitration. Mark Brown isβ very thorough and sharp in his analysisβ; Kevin Appleton is βan experienced commercial litigation lawyer with deep understanding of cases and clientsβ concernsβ; and Jeremy Blum βshows impressive dedication to his workβ.
Competition litigation
Competition litigation - ranked: tier 3
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLP runs βa first-rate competition practice in the areas of IP and pharmaceuticalsβ and has thus been able to arguably βhoover up all the best competition cases in those sectorsβ. Indeed, βinstinctive litigatorβ Pat Treacy successfully defended Google in High Court proceedings regarding the clientβs dominant position in the area of online mapping. Additionally, Treacy and Sophie Lawrance acted for Google in the high-profile claims regarding the clientβs practice of online shopping and price comparison services. The team also represented Samsung Electronics in a dispute with Unwired Planet and Ericsson alleging abuse of dominance and the novel issue of patent privateering. In the pharmaceutical space, the department acted for Napp Pharmaceuticals in High Court and judicial review proceedings against the NHS Commercial Medicines Unit in relation to the procurement of an anti-inflammatory medicine. Additional clients include Les Laboratoires Servier, IPCom and Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe.
London: Human resources
Employment: employers and senior executives
Employment: employers - ranked: tier 7
Bristows LLP
The βthorough, professional, measured and reliableβ group at Bristows LLP is regularly called on to handle the employment aspects of corporate transactions. Of counsel Justin Costley advised on the global employment aspects of WPPβs acquisition of Essence Digital. Costley and βwell-informedβ of counsel Lidia Poczok have been assisting Capgemini with TUPE issues, as well as redundancy and restructuring matters. Costley and Poczok jointly head the team following Linda Farrell stepping down from partnership. The groupβs client base includes Blue Diamond Group, Movember and Diageo.
London: Private client
Charities and not-for-profit
Charities and not-for-profit - ranked: tier 4
Bristows LLP
At Bristows LLP, the βinteraction between all members of the charity division and the firm as a whole is superb. The group consistently provides prompt, professional and meticulous advice, and importantly it is always willing to listenβ. Mark Hawes is noted for his βgrace and diplomacy in keeping everyone informed, aligned and chipperβ, and fellow practice head Miranda Cass is βsomehow able to make light work of tax and VAT issues, deftly explaining the position to clients and then providing practical options that add valueβ. On the employment side, the βunwaveringly brilliantβ Justin Costley produces βpractical solutions and suggestions no matter how complex the matterβ. Highlights included advising on the establishment of Secondary1st, a new high-profile charity focused on secondary breast cancer.
London: Real estate
Commercial property
Commercial property: general - ranked: tier 5
Bristows LLP
Commercial property: investment - ranked: tier 4
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLP offers βpragmatic and business orientated advice, which demonstrates expert knowledge and focuses on material issuesβ. βVery professionalβ head of practice Teresa Edmund operates across a range of sectors including TMT, life sciences and garden-centre retail; in the latter area she advised Blue Diamond on the acquisition of the land and assets of Harlow Garden Centre. Edmund was also active for key client The Honourable Society of Lincolnβs Inn, which she advised on the re-development and pre-letting of 11 Stone Buildings to Edwin Coe LLP. The other key contact is Alexandra Lethbridge, who co-heads the practice with Edmund; she continues to act for Kodak Alaris on its partnering arrangement with Land Securities to deliver the phased redevelopment of its production facility in Harrow. Senior associate Tim Allen βdemonstrates good business acumen and avoids over-labouring minor pointsβ.
Next generation lawyers
Tim Allen - Bristows LLP
London: Risk advisory
Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity
Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity - ranked: tier 1
Bristows LLP
βOne of the best firms in the areaβ, Bristows LLP has an βexcellentβ department, which is βtechnically strong, extremely responsive and highly considerate of the clientβs needsβ. The firmβs contentious strength (in areas including data breaches) sits alongside substantial expertise in global compliance programmes and privacy issues. It advised Google in the EU and US on the development and implementation of a GDPR strategy, and is assisting Samsung Electronics in relation to the data protection elements of its digital marketing operations. Other recent highlights include advising Facebook on its entry into the EU-US Privacy Shield, and acting for NBC Universal and Comcast on the development of a global data compliance programme. IBM, Amazon Web Services, British Airways and Dolby are also clients. Mark Watts, who has βincredible knowledge which he applies in a highly commercial wayβ, leads the team, which was recently bolstered by the arrival of Robert Bond and his team from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. Of counsel Christopher Millard and Hannah Crowther are also recommended.
Leading individuals

Mark Watts - Bristows LLP

Robert Bond - Bristows LLP
Next generation lawyers
Hannah Crowther - Bristows LLP
London: TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Brand management
Brand management - ranked: tier 1
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLP further strengthened its already well-respected brand management capability with the recruitment of IP litigator Simon Clark and trade mark specialist Ian Gruselle, along with six other practitioners from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP. The βprofessional, strategic and commercialβ team is particularly strong at advising major brands and agencies on the legality of advertising campaigns and sales promotions as well as comparative advertising and contentious matters. Paul Jordan, who heads the advertising and marketing practice, is acting alongside Paul Walsh for WPP on the management of its worldwide trade mark portfolio; in 2016, they assisted on clearance searches regarding a global rebranding and handled trade mark infringement and domain name disputes. Jordanβs other highlights included advising Paramount Pictures on music licensing requirements and copyright issues relating to live streamed and online availability of movies; advising British American Tobacco on its compliance with the UKβs e-cigarette advertising restrictions relating to the promotion of its new e-cigarette product, Pebble; and assisting Royal Mail Group with advertising copy clearance issues. IP disputes specialist Jeremy Blum focuses on brand and IP enforcement. Senior associate Sacha Wilson has notable experience in sponsorship, digital advertising, ad-tech developments and associated regulatory issues. Associate Andrew Butcher and Remya Jayakkar are βknowledgeable and commercially-mindedβ.
Next generation lawyers
Sacha Wilson - Bristows LLP
IT and telecoms
IT and telecoms - ranked: tier 1
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLP handles a range of matters in the IT and telecoms space, and acts for clients including IBM, Capgemini and Sony. Toby Crick, who focuses on technology, communications and outsourcing matters, and commercial IT head Mark Watts, who is an expert on IT, outsourcing and data protection matters, are advising Bupa on its ongoing digital transformation strategy. Myles Jelf has core strengths in telecoms technology litigation, he defended Google and Samsung in a high-profile dispute with Unwired Planet pertaining to alleged patent infringement. Adrian Sim specialises in multi-jurisdictional deals, frequently advising Capgemini. Anna Cook, who recently made partner, is a key name for complex IT litigation. Robert Bond is an expert in data protection matters and Kevin Appleton leads the commercial disputes group and has a strong track record in IT-related litigation.
Intellectual property
Intellectual property - ranked: tier 1
Bristows LLP
Bristows LLPβs team is βtop of the field in all IP mattersβ. The firm has a highly diverse IP practice and focuses predominantly on the life sciences and TMT sectors. It is known for its βhands-on approachβ, and its impressive client roster includes AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Samsung. Brian Cordery is βenergeticβ and βhugely respected among clients, competitors, barristers and the judgesβ; he jointly heads the IP litigation team with Myles Jelf, who is βa leading lightβ in the TMT sector. The team has βa wealth of experienceβ in patent litigation, and includes βexceptionally able litigatorsβ Robert Burrows, who is βhighly intelligentβ and βwell- placed to handle complex and difficult litigation in the life science sectorβ, and the βextremely brightβ and βabsolutely committedβ Andrew Bowler. Patent litigator Liz Cohen also specialises in life sciences, where her clients include Celltrion and Smith & Nephew. Matthew Warren, who is head of commercial IP, has particular expertise in emerging technology. Head of brands Paul Walsh, alongside Jeremy Blum, recently represented MondelΔz in opposing NestlΓ©βs application to the UK trade marks registry to register the four finger shape of the KitKat as a trade mark. Laura Anderson and Fiona Nicolson specialise in transactional IP.
Leading individuals

Brian Cordery - Bristows LLP

Myles Jelf - Bristows LLP
Next generation lawyers

Jeremy Blum - Bristows LLP
Media and entertainment (including media finance)
Media and entertainment (including media finance) - ranked: tier 2
Bristows LLP
βPlugged into the media sectorβ, Bristows LLP has wide-ranging expertise in contentious and non-contentious matters covering copyright, trade mark, advertising, marketing, gaming, music, publishing, film, TV, social media and interactive media. It is advising Paramount Pictures on music licensing and copyright in relation to music played over Paramountβs live streamed film premieres of the latest Star Trek and Jack Reacher films. It is also defending Google in litigation against a group of internet users related to alleged tracking activity and targeted advertising. The team also handles advertising compliance matters for Guardian Media Group. WPP, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, Blizzard Entertainment and BBC are also clients. Key figures include Myles Jelf, who acts for a range of computer games and media clients; Paul Jordan, who is experienced in advertising, marketing, publishing and TV; Iain Redford, who handles advertising and marketing sector mandates; and senior associate Sacha Wilson, who has βgreat technical understandingβ and handles advertising and digital media matters.
Next generation lawyers
Sacha Wilson - Bristows LLP (Advertising; digital media)
PATMA: Trade mark attorneys
PATMA: Trade mark attorneys - ranked: tier 2
Bristows LLP (London)
Bristows LLP further enhanced its trade mark capability with the hire of three trade mark attorneys from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, including Ian Gruselle, who has notable experience in handling global portfolio management. It has a fully-integrated team of trade mark attorneys and solicitors, enabling the group to advise on the full range of trade mark work, with particular expertise in contentious issues including trade mark registry disputes and litigation. Paul Walsh heads the βexcellentβ team, which includes litigators Paul Jordan and Jeremy Blum. Jordan continues to manage the UK trade mark portfolio for McDonaldβs, and is acting in a trade mark opposition against The Scottish Salmon Company, which has applied to register the mark MacSalmon; he is also assisting Royal Mail Group with its worldwide trade mark portfolio. Walshβs recent highlights include assisting a British-headquartered multinational on UK and EUTM clearance searches, and on a number of EU design invalidation actions arising from a dispute with a major competitor.
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology - ranked: tier 1
Bristows LLP
According to one client, Bristows LLP is βthe complete packageβ. The firms advises on the full remit of IP, with an emphasis on patent litigation, as well as transactional, regulatory, competition and contentious matters for high-profile clients across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices indistries. It also has particular expertise advising charities and other not-for-profit organisations on fundraising, collaborations, licensing transactions and corporate governance. Leveraging its strong expertise in the areas of IT, digital communications and data privacy, the firm is regularly called on by clients to advise on matters at the intersection between life sciences and technology; highlights included advising a number of med-tech companies on new collaborations, product launches and regulatory compliance. In another illustration of its reputation in the market, the team continues to assist Novartis with the enforcement of patents for its blockbuster medicines. I also assisted biosimilar manufacturer Celltrion with its action to revoke three European and UK patents belonging to Biogen, F Hoffman La Roche and Genentech, relating to the use of a chimeric anti CD20 antibody for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and rheumatoid arthritis; and advised AstraZeneca on the sale to Avara of its pharmaceutical manufacturing business and facility in Avonmouth, Bristol. Laura Anderson is an βexcellent negotiator and influencer and a pleasure to work withβ and jointly heads the group with patent litigator Liz Cohen. Maria Manley is βa tenacious litigator who always strives to obtain the best for her clientsβ. Corporate partners Mark Hawes and Marek Petecki, competition specialist Pat Treacy, Unified Patent Court (UPC) expert Edward Nodder and associate Rachel Mumby are also recommended.
Leading individuals

Maria Manley - Bristows LLP
Next generation lawyers
Rachel Mumby - Bristows LLP
Further information on Bristows LLP
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London
Offices in London
- Corporate and commercial : Commercial contracts
- Corporate and commercial : EU and competition
- Corporate and commercial : M&A: smaller deals, up to Β£50m
- Corporate and commercial : Partnership
- Dispute resolution : Commercial litigation
- Dispute resolution : Competition litigation
- Human resources : Employment: employers and senior executives
- Private client : Charities and not-for-profit
- Real estate : Commercial property
- Risk advisory : Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) : Brand management
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) : IT and telecoms
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) : Intellectual property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) : Media and entertainment (including media finance)
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) : PATMA: Trade mark attorneys
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) : Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology