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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Bristows team are a team to be reckoned with in the fields of life sciences and healthcare. They combine excellent technical knowledge with legal nous to achieve the commercial objectives of their clients, guiding them efficiently and effectively to a valuable result. ’
‘Charlie French is excellent to work with, intelligent and responsive, manages the team effectively with ease.'
- 'Chloe Dickson is a very bright senior associate who will go far: intelligent and commercial.'
- 'Chris Stubbs is a lawyer with a great future ahead of him; brilliant technical knowledge.’
‘Bristows has always been a leader in this sector. They really know their stuff and act in many of the leading cases. Individuals are hard-working, with strong technical understanding and careful attention to detail. Brian Cordery and Charlie French are key partners.’
‘Bristows has superb breadth and in-depth technological know-how. They are wonderful life sciences litigators and have been for decades.’
‘Liz Cohen and Brian Cordery stand out. They are extremely client-focused, understand the industry and client needs and provide nothing short of first-class service every time. ’
‘My experience is of Bristows' patent litigators, who are excellent. As a team, they are particularly good at a deep understanding of the relevant technology, and applying that knowledge to tactical advantage in litigation.'
Key clients
- Syncona
- Telix Pharmaceuticals
- Bestway Panacea Holdings Limited
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Sandoz
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
- Mara Renewables
- Genentech
- Touchlight
- AstraZeneca
Work highlights
Advised AstraZeneca on a high profile patent deal with Chinese biotech Usynova to add to AstraZeneca’s oncology pipeline by licensing Usynova’s novel pancreatic cancer therapy in a transaction worth $420 million.
Acting for Genentech and Novartis in ongoing UK High Court revocation and infringement proceedings against Celltrion in respect of Genentech’s and Novartis’s antibody medicine Xolair (ex-US sales $1.463 billion).
Advising Syncona on the establishment and financing of ophthalmic gene therapy company Beacon Therapeutics, which launched in June 2023 following a £96 million Series A financing.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Liz Cohen; Richard Dickinson
Other key lawyers
Brian Cordery; Robert Burrows; Greg Bacon; Rachel Mumby; Matthew Warren; Marek Petecki; Claire Smith; Alex Denoon; David Horner; Xisca Borrás; Ellen Lambrix; Charlie French; Nick Cross; Claire Phipps-Jones; Adrian Chew; Chloe Dickson; Chris Stubbs