Life sciences

Bristows has one of the most highly-regarded multi-disciplinary life sciences legal practices in the world.

Our life sciences specialists - many with backgrounds in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, physics and engineering - work with leading clients from both the private and public sectors. Our clients range from multinational pharmaceutical and biotech companies and medical device manufacturers to universities, SMEs and technology start-ups, private equity and venture capital investors. They come to us for advice on a wide spectrum of IP issues including patents, trade marks and licensing, freedom to operate opinions, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, financings and the coordination of disputes in multiple jurisdictions. We also work on a wide range of regulatory and competition law issues for clients in this sector, and provide market-leading life cycle management expertise.

We are currently coordinating several international projects to protect and manage the life cycle of blockbuster pharmaceuticals. Large teams of IP, regulatory and competition law specialists are involved, and we have developed particular expertise in handling the vast flows of data and communications via our proprietary IT solutions. Crucially we are able to summarise complex market situations rapidly and regularly in a concise format for senior management, facilitating decision taking at the highest levels within global pharmaceutical companies.

Recent work includes:

• AstraZeneca in connection with several patent disputes involving major products used to treat diseases ranging from schizophrenia and depression to dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease
   
• Novartis on a key patent and SPC case which relates to a compound used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
   
• Smith & Nephew on several patent litigation cases relating to a range of wound care products
   
• On the major funding of Albireo – a biotech spin-out from AstraZeneca
   
• On the regulatory side, Servier in relation to the EU Commission competition investigation and in connection with an action brought by the Department of Health for alleged misuse of the Patent and Regulatory Framework
   
• Affibody in relation to collaboration and licence agreements with US Antibody Company Progenics Inc.
   
• Numerous pharmaceutical companies regarding the handling of sensitive patient and clinical trials data

What others say

"As one of the leading firms for IP work in the country, and indeed Europe, it is no surprise to find Bristows at or near the top of the list for services to the life sciences industry. The firm is particularly strong when it comes to patent litigation and global IP enforcement, but also in terms of its regulatory advice and transactional work. One client highlights the team's 'straight-talking, personable approach and thorough documentation which does not baffle us with unnecessary details, meaning we are quickly able to get to grips with the crux of the issue in a legal jargon-free matter'. Clients include giants such as AstraZeneca, Bayer, Novartis and Smith & Nephew." - Chambers and Partners 2013 

"Bristows offers a hallmark of quality across a number of life sciences disciplines and earns consistent praise from clients for the sheer strength of its team. It continues to bolster its already impressive market reputation largely through the expertise of its individual lawyers. The firm has been emphasising scientific understanding in developing the practice, leading sources to commend it as well equipped to handle even the most complex disputes."Well connected in various associations. They have demonstrated their commitment to the sector by co-sponsoring and organising major conferences".  "They understand the European market and are capable of co-ordinating litigation across borders." - Chambers and Partners 2012

Leading Firm for Life Sciences Overall and Life Sciences Patent Lititgation - PLC Which Lawyer? Intellectual Property 2012/2011

Highly Recommended for Life Sciences: Commercial and partnering, Life Sciences: Competition/anti-trust, Life Sciences: Corporate and Life Sciences: Regulatory - PLC Which Lawyer? Intellectual Property 2012/2011

"This team offers a broad range of services to life sciences clients. It is particularly well regarded for transactions, patent litigation and regulatory matters. It recently represented Smith & Nephew in patent disputes regarding negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and advised Algeta on a global collaboration deal with Bayer." - Chambers and Partners 2011

"Bristows has a great profile in the industry and is very creative in its approach." - Chambers and Partners 2011