A specialist in life sciences and technology, Bristows LLP is well-equipped to deliver ‘pragmatic, risk-based advice’ to global pharma, biotech and medical device companies on regulatory matters and licensing, collaboration, and M&A transactions. Its dedicated IP litigation team is recognised for leveraging scientific knowledge to ’tactical advantage’ in precedent-setting cases before UK and European courts. The ‘dedicated’ team is led by experienced patent litigator Liz Cohen and Richard Dickinson, who focuses on commercial transactions and IP advisory. Brian Cordery and Robert Burrows are renowned for their patent litigation experience, while Adrian Chew handles patent enforcement and validity matters. Alex Denoon is ’extremely knowledgeable’ in regulatory matters, especially concerning disruptive technologies, while Xisca Borrás specialises in EU and UK life sciences law. The ‘outstanding’ Claire Smith advises on a range of life sciences transactions alongside Matthew Warren. Competition expert Robert Vidal arrived from Pinsent Masons LLP in January 2025. Gemma Barrett is no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Bristows' patent litigators are excellent, highly motivated and hard-working. As a team, they are particularly good at a deep understanding of the relevant technology and applying that knowledge to tactical advantage in litigation. Moreover, the people are down-to-earth and fun to work with, which makes a real difference. I have worked with almost every other top-tier patent litigation firm in London, and Bristows is a definite leader in the field.’
‘Very knowledgeable and very commercial; always delivering pragmatic, risk-based advice to support our business.’
‘I have closely worked with the life sciences and healthcare team at Bristows over many years. I have found them to be very professional and reliable. They comprise a very friendly team that is dedicated to their client’s cause. In my experience, they stand out amongst many competitors because of their high level of competence, thoroughness and availability to their clients at short notice.’
‘Alex Denoon is extremely knowledgeable and great to work with.’
‘Brian Cordery is one of the best litigators in life sciences in the UK. He is extremely experienced, very sensible and remarkably hands-on. Anyone with a patent in the life sciences or pharmaceutical arena should consider using him (or fear him as an adversary). Katie Cambrook's work has impressed me in a biotechnology context. She is very personable, down to earth, and effective.’
‘Marek Petecki and Claire Smith are outstanding.’
Key clients
- Syncona
- Telix Pharmaceuticals
- Bestway Panacea Holdings Limited
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Sandoz
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
- Mara Renewables
- Genentech
- Touchlight
- AstraZeneca
- LifeArc
- Recordati
Work highlights
Advised Touchlight Genetics Limited on English patent litigation over entitlement to patents related to its novel processes for the in vitro production of doggy-bone DNA used in the production of vaccines.
Advising AstraZeneca on a global strategic collaboration with Harbour BioMed to discover and develop novel next-generation multi-specific antibodies for immunology, oncology and beyond. The deal has a potential value in excess of $4.4 billion.
Advised Beacon Therapeutics on its raising of $170 million in Series B Funding to advance the development of ophthalmic gene therapies.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Liz Cohen; Richard Dickinson
Other key lawyers
Brian Cordery; Robert Burrows; Alex Denoon; Xisca Borrás; Adrian Chew; Claire Smith; Matthew Warren; Robert Vidal