Industry focus
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.
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Profile
Work Department
Patent Litigation
Position
Brian specialises in intellectual property dispute resolution with a focus on patent litigation in the life sciences sector. Brian has more than 20 years’ experience of litigating patents for successful pharmaceutical products – predominantly for originators. He has also handled patent cases for other sectors including electronics and consumer goods.
Brian is presently engaged in several projects relating to the global defence of the intellectual property for some of the world's best–selling pharmaceutical products. This involves the co–ordination of legal teams across the world to ensure that the optimal strategy is pursued at both global and local levels. He is also involved in several intellectual property cases in the English Courts across a broad range of industry sectors. Brian’s practice includes resolving disputes relating to biological medicines as well as small molecule drugs in disease areas including oncology, respiratory, and immunology.
Brian is the co–author of an annual review of UK patent cases which is published annually in the CIPA Journal. He also teaches patent law on the Oxford University Diploma on Intellectual Property Law and Practice. He is the co-editor of the Kluwer Patent Blog.
In 2018 and 2019, Brian was chosen by Who’s Who Legal as the Life Sciences Patent Litigation lawyer of the year and the Patents lawyer of the year.
Career
Trained at Bristows; qualified in 1996; partner since 2004
Memberships
Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group; associate member of CIPA
Education
Royal Grammar School, Newcastle; Pembroke College, Oxford (MA Law); College of Law, Guildford
Content supplied by Bristows LLP
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Bristows team is very impressive at all levels, from junior associates through to partners. The team combines a fantastic technical ability with real commercial nous. They drive litigation efficiently and effectively for the benefit of their clients. They compare very favourably to other teams in the sector, representing all round quality.'
‘The Bristows patents team combine outstanding technical ability with an impressive knowledge and understanding of the law, borne of a huge amount of experience in patent litigation. Everyone I have worked with, from partners to associate level, has impressed me with their comprehensive knowledge of the cases we have been involved in, both at the technical level and the legal and strategic aspects. They are also extremely hard working and run a well-organised and highly efficient operation.’
- 'Andrew Bowler is great to work with. He is very smart and combines a comprehensive understanding of the case detail with an impressive strategic awareness. His judgement and advice on matters of strategy are invariably spot on.'
- 'James Boon is really smart, technically superb and has an incredible knowledge of the cases on which I have worked with him. He is on top of every aspect, from the most involved technical points to the wider litigation strategy. Brilliant to work with.’
‘Bristows is the complete package. The team is always a joy to work with; everyone knows their role and does their bit to the highest standard. Excellent lawyers with strong technical knowledge and understanding. Standout partners are Liz Cohen, Richard Pinckney, and Brian Cordery.’
‘Bristows has a huge breadth of experience and technological know-how. They really care about their cases and about their clients. They are just superb IP lawyers.’
‘Liz Cohen, Andrew Bowler and Brian Cordery stand out for their client-focused approach to litigation and the giving of advice.'
‘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
- Novartis Pharma AG
- Sandoz
- Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
- Philips
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
- Mara Renewables Corp.
- Panasonic
- Prysmian Group
- Scientific Drilling International, Inc.
- Genentech
- Touchlight Genetics Ltd.
- 3M
- Diageo
- AstraZeneca
- De Beers
- LifeArc
- UCL Business
- The Wellcome Sanger Institute
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation
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 $420m.
Acted for Panasonic in high-profile SEP litigation against Xiaomi and Oppo relating to its 3G and 4G portfolio, including an expedited FRAND determination and multiple technical trials.
Advised Teva on a multi-claimant patent litigation action, interim injunction and coordinated multiple European actions relating to Bayer's patents to its blockbuster Xarelto drug.