Patent litigation

The majority of Bristows' IP lawyers have scientific and technology backgrounds, including physics, chemistry, biotechnology, electronics, engineering and material sciences. We actively recruit trainees who are First Class, and even PhD level, scientists from leading research institutions. This means that whatever the technology on which a client has built its business, Bristows will have someone with relevant background and experience.
 
Recent patent disputes we have advised on have involved:

• Mobile phones
• Aviation technology
• Biotech drugs and conventional pharmaceuticals
• Computers
• Oil field equipment
• Medical equipment
• GPS
• Biometric IDs
• Power generation
• Automotive technology

We frequently advise on the interplay of patent rights with regulatory and competition issues. Specifically in the Life Sciences sector, we are experienced in dealing with Supplementary Protection Certificates, Paediatric Extensions and the life cycle management of pharmaceutical products.
 
We are also well-equipped to advise on the international aspects of patent disputes. As well as representing clients before the specialist and higher courts in the UK, we regularly appear before the European Patent Office and coordinate international cases, working with and often supervising local lawyers in jurisdictions worldwide. There are few major IP firms around the world with whom we have not worked.

"Sally Field is trusted to act for pharmaceutical giants Smith & Nephew and AstraZeneca in key IP litigation.  Clients highlight her "capacity to analyse technical and legal issues and put together a case that has a high chance of succeeding." Commentators report that Myles Jelf maintains "an excellent grasp of the technical aspects of cases, always taking the time to　think clearly and logically." He is a key adviser to aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney in patent litigation relating to Airbus A380 engines. Liz Cohen is building an excellent reputation for her focus on contentious concerns, especially in relation to matters arising in a healthcare context. She continues to advise Smith & Nephew in patent proceedings.  Practice head Edward Nodder, meanwhile, has a hand in all of the firm's major pieces of patent litigation and continues to enjoy a high-flying reputation for his heavyweight expertise. According to sources, Brian Cordery combines a thorough understanding of brand management with "a vast reserve of experience" in patent litigation. He has been leading the charge in the team's counselling of marketing communications company WPP.  Philip Westmacott is seen to possess strong patent litigation skills that have been well-harnessed by the likes of Smith & Nephew, whilst Alan Johnson is recognised as an accomplished practitioner whose "fantastic grasp of complex technical issues" marks him out. New partner James Boon is tipped by clients as a future star:　"He is intelligent, hard-working and creative in analysing legal and technical problems"." - Chambers and Partners 2012

"Bristows' large, dedicated IP team is led by the 'highly regarded' Edward Nodder, who is representing Siemens against Seagate Technology in Northern Ireland's first significant patent infringement case.  Recognised for its scientific and technical expertise, the group undertakes commercial IP work in the lifesciences, telecoms and new media sectors.  Philip Westmacott and Sally Field represented Smith & Nephew in five patent proceedings; and trade mark litigator Paul Walsh is advising L'Oreal against Ebay on issues that have been referred to the CJEU.  Fiona Nicolson, Laura Anderson and Brian Cordery are all recommended." - The Legal 500 2011

"Bristows' clients report that in multi-jurisdictional patent litigation the firm 'has always been much more advanced and useful than others'. The ‘very strategic, circumspective and experienced’ Edward Nodder is advising Novartis on patent and regulatory litigation in over 50 countries.“ - The Legal 500 2010

Highly Commended Patent Law Firm of the Year - Intellectual Property Magazine 2011

Top tier UK firm – IAM Patent Litigation 250 2011

Leading firm for Patent Litigation – PLC Which Lawyer? Intellectual Property 2011/12