Dr Robert Burrows > Bristows LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Bristows LLP
100 VICTORIA EMBANKMENT
LONDON
EC4Y 0DH
England

Living Wage

Work Department

IP litigation

Position

Robert specialises in patent litigation. He has a PhD in molecular genetics and is particularly active for clients within the life sciences sector.

Many of the patent and SPC cases Robert has managed in recent years have required the coordination of parallel proceedings in the UK, EPO and other jurisdictions within Europe and elsewhere in the world. He therefore has in-depth knowledge of European litigation and, alongside appearing for clients in the High Court and Court of Appeal, has attended preliminary injunction and main action proceedings in multiple countries within Europe and overseen inspections of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes in India and Japan. Alongside the assessment of validity and infringement issues, his recent cases have included a damages enquiry, a reference to the Court of Justice of the European Union and the availability of Arrow declaratory relief.

Robert regularly advises clients on the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court and, in more recent times, on the impact of Brexit.

He also advises on other IP rights and is one of a small number of lawyers who have acted in matters concerning plant variety rights. In addition to his litigation experience, Robert assists clients with freedom to operate opinions and due diligence on the intellectual property aspects of commercial transactions.

Robert is one of the founding editors of Bristows’ Biotech Review publication.

Career

Trained at Bristows; qualified in 2002; partner since 2011 to date

Education

Cuthbert Mayne School, Torquay; Leicester University (1993 BSc Hons Biological Sciences, 1997 PhD Genetics); College of Law, Chester (1999-00 CPE, LPC)

Leisure

Running, golf, cooking

Lawyer Rankings

London > TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious)

Fielding an extensive and varied patents practice that is noted for its ‘fantastic technical ability’, Bristows LLP demonstrates considerable prowess across a myriad of technical sectors, encompassing telecoms, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and electronics, to name a few. On the contentious side, the team frequently manages FRAND and biologics mandates, while on the non-contentious side, the team excels in collaboration and licensing deals, as well as the IP elements of significant corporate deals. Three experienced practitioners lead the team: Robert Burrows, who leverages his knowledge in genetics to assist clients in the life sciences industry, seasoned litigator Andrew Bowler, who routinely coordinates global strategies in the space, and Richard Dickinson, who frequently handles matters pertaining to transactional and advisory work. Liz Cohen possesses experience representing clients up to the Supreme Court, and James Boon operates for a litany of clients in the context of cross-border litigation. Myles Jelf bolsters the group with his strengths in hi-tech patent litigation, while Matthew Warren retains an extensive transactional practice. Other names to note include Claire Smith, Richard Pinckney, Dominic Adair, Brian Cordery, and Greg Bacon.

London > Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare

(Leading partners)

Robert BurrowsBristows LLP

From the establishment and financing of pioneering life sciences companies to patent litigation and complex IP issues relating to projects and collaborations concerning products and services driven by AI technology, Bristows LLP is active across a wide range of work in the life sciences space. Practice co-head Liz Cohen is a seasoned patent litigator with a proven track record in co-ordinating cross-border litigation. Fellow co-head Richard Dickinson is equipped to assist clients with manufacturing and supply agreements. ‘Standout‘ partner Brian Cordery is active across patent disputes for medicines used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, leukaemia and heart failure, while Alex Denoon‘s regulatory expertise is sought after by clients specialising in disruptive technologies. Robert Burrows‘ expertise extends to plant variety right cases for clients in the life sciences sector, and Claire Smith  advises on a range of commercial partnering agreements. Adrian Chew further extends the patent disputes expertise at the firm.