Claire Smith > Bristows LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

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.

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.

Noted for its ‘significant experience‘ and ‘pragmatic advice‘, Bristows LLP is adept at handling day-to-day operational contracts, as well as contracts related to large commercial transactions. The group is prolific in the pharmaceutical and IP industries, calling upon the biochemistry knowledge of practice head Richard Dickinson, who brings significant expertise in commercial transactions to clients. Major clients include international conglomerates, indicative of the group’s cross-border expertise and strength in advising clients with large international portfolios which require advice on large-scale strategic collaboration. Other key contacts include Matthew Warren; Claire Smith, who assists with bespoke supply and distribution agreements; and Ellen Lambrix and Paul Jordan, who are notably skilled in advising on manufacturing agreements and logistics agreements, respectively, for large retailers.

With a ‘highly responsive’ approach and ‘deep expertise in AI’, Bristows LLP consistently represents major companies and start-ups in acquiring IP rights for new AI-based inventions, with the ‘truly excellent’ team co-head Vik Khurana being an experienced commercial technology expert. Chris Holder also co-leads, being a specialist IT outsourcing lawyer, Mark Watts heads the firm’s data protection group, while Anna Cook concentrates on litigation surrounding software licensing. Claire Smith primarily focuses on the life sciences sphere, and both Charlie Hawes and Anneke Pol are also highlighted as key members of the practice.