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The UPC brings the biggest change to the European patent system for 40 years. As a world leader in patent litigation, we’ve been active in the development of the UPC system and are set to continue our integral role. So let us guide you.

If your business has patent interests to look after, you now face significant and complex choices.

As an entirely new court system, the UPC favours those ready to hit the ground running. During the past 10 years Bristows has been the leading commentator on the evolution of the UPC, helping develop the rules of procedure. We are ready to guide you in this new landscape, navigating the timetables, rules, procedures and any jurisdictional challenges – potentially in parallel with national litigation.

We have the largest team of patent litigators in Europe, with 11 partners and more than 30 associates, including European-qualified lawyers. We bring experience in co-ordinating global patent strategies for some of the world’s most successful businesses, and most of our team have a technical background in key sectors.

We are fully independent and untied to any local division, so we can take an objective approach focused on your best interests. Knowing what it takes to win in the international context, we can safeguard your litigation interests both within and outside the UPC.

Bristows is setting the standard for UPC participation. We’re ready with a comprehensive infrastructure and innovative knowledge management tools. We stand apart for our expertise, insight and resources. We look forward to working with you.

Key contacts

Gregory Bacon

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Myles Jelf

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What others say

“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.” 

Legal 500 2025

“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.”

 

Legal 500 2025

“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.” 

Legal 500 2025

“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.” 

Legal 500 2025

“With an ever-impressive client list, wide range of expertise across all industries and a high number of recommended partners, Bristows remains a go-to firm for clients wishing to litigate at the UK patent courts.” 

​JUVE 2024​

“Working with Bristows is always a superb experience thanks to its deep bench of talent who are extremely responsive, supportive, pragmatic and business-oriented.” 

​IAM Patent 1000 2024​

“Justified reputation as one of, if not the, leading firms for IP life sciences. Excellent reputation in the UK and beyond – widely respected throughout Europe for coordinating multi-jurisdictional disputes.” 

​Legal 500 2023​

“Maintaining one of the broadest patent benches, Bristows LLP is praised as ‘one of the top UK-based patent litigation firms with a full-service capacity.” 

​Legal 500 2023​

“Bristows remains a force to be reckoned with in Europe.”

JUVE Patent UK 2023​ 

“Bristows is known for its deep bench of high-calibre litigators with supreme expertise in contentious patent, trade mark, designs and copyright matters. The team is particularly sought after for biosimilars and telecommunications litigation, and is frequently instructed for standard-essential patent-related disputes.” 

​Chambers and Partners 2023