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Bristows is trusted by leading providers of information technology services and their customers to help them manage the issues that arise when their commercial relationships have stopped working.

We deal with projects which are delayed or when there are disputes about the required scope, quality and standards. Our expertise includes contract management, effective escalation and problem solving. We have deep experience in the issues that often arise in these contracts, such as:

  • quality and delay disputes
  • scope change
  • change management
  • development methodologies
  • issue escalation and exit
  • software copyright and licensing
  • data loss
  • breach of confidence.

With experts in software licensing, projects and services, our team is known for its ability to get a grip on demanding and technically difficult disputes. We have years of experience handling some of the largest and most complex cases. We support our clients by helping them to identify and manage risks early, to anticipate change and to make the most of their contractual or commercial positions, including through renegotiation or formal legal action.

We also specialise in commercial issues relating to the provision of services and online platforms, such as liability for copyright infringement and the regulatory and jurisdictional points which often arise in the context of claims involving internet companies and websites.

Whilst we are experienced litigators, our starting point is to explore our clients’ commercial options and how to resolve a dispute before it escalates.

We use advanced technology and reporting tools to help our clients to get an early understanding of their position so that they can proactively develop strategies to match their risk appetite and commercial objectives.

Experience

Pursuing software licence claims

Acting for a software vendor to pursue its audit rights in respect of various disputes involving strong evidence of software misuse. 

We drafted the terms of access for the vendor and engaged with experts to ensure that the evidence of the software misuse was properly and independently captured. We commenced proceedings and, using the threat of injunction, managed to obtain undertakings to prevent further software abuse and to disclose relevant information. This material formed the basis for a settlement shortly thereafter.

Software project dispute

Acting for a major manufacturer in respect of a dispute arising from the supplier's failure to deliver software relating to the identification and tracking of inventory. 

The supplier had threatened to stop work unless payment was made, which was a serious breach (a renunciation) of the agreement. We helped our client to terminate the agreement for breach and worked with them to negotiate favourable exit terms.

Renegotiating disputed payments in an ongoing project

Helping a client that was owed a very large sum of money by its customer, and whose ability to meet its commitments to pay its subcontractors was thereby threatened.

Our client bore the contractual risk of non-performance and its subcontractors were threatening to suspend work. We worked with our client’s finance director and in-house legal team to create a business case to persuade the customer that, by withholding payment, its actions would ultimately be self-defeating.  In parallel, we also prepared formal notifications warning the subcontractors that they were not entitled to suspend performance and to inform the customer that non-payment was a material breach of contract.

We then worked with our client to agree a settlement which changed the scope of the project, and introduced firmer deadlines and payment commitments. Our client obtained the overdue payment and we drafted the settlement terms to define the agreed steps and to settle the outstanding disputes.

Inquisitive Minds: IT disputes insights

What others say

“Bristows’ advice is always commercial. They help to distil complex legal issues into a business-friendly approach. They also always take a clear view and direction with all the legal complexity.”

Chambers FinTech Guide 2026

“The department stands out through its strong client focus, deep industry knowledge, and ability to deliver cutting-edge, practical advice.”

Chambers FinTech Guide 2026

“It is an excellent law firm with very good expertise in technology and FinTech.”

Chambers FinTech Guide 2026

“Their key strengths are their dedication and focus on delivering value to their clients in everything they undertake. The firm is clear, honest, practical, highly experienced and business-focused.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“The team has excellent technical and industry knowledge which helps when negotiating a deal and drafting the appropriate agreements. They are very client-centric.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“The Bristows team understand client needs and go the extra mile to deliver effective advice.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“It has been really positive – they are incredibly experienced and knowledgeable in their fields, and very responsive and great to deal with. Their advice is pragmatic and digestible.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“Bristows give the client solutions that can be be implemented. Advice is practical and experience-based, and informed by an understanding the limitations and risk for the client.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“All members of the Bristows team were fully engaged from the beginning of our engagement.”

Legal 500 2026

“The Bristows team are solid, hardworking, dependable litigators who commit to cases and make sure they do whatever is necessary to meet their clients’ needs.”

Legal 500 2026

“Known for its life sciences, pharma and engineering expertise, the team at Bristows LLP is praised by clients for its depth of commercial knowledge and ‘impeccable service’. Wielding specialist proficiency in regulatory issues such as intellectual property rights, competition and tax law, and data protection, the group are able to handle the full range of commercial issues.”

Legal 500 2025

“They offer an excellent service – good and pragmatic/commercial legal advice coupled with good client-relationship management.”

Legal 500 2025

“Very good at the intersection of commercial and IP disputes – and a dynamic, friendly and efficient team.”

Legal 500 2025

“Bristows is a very good firm, particularly in coordinating multi-jurisdictional litigation. They have a good network of colleagues across Europe.”

Chambers and Partners Europe 2024

“They are really great, client-centric, and very knowledgeable about the industry. The Bristows team comes up with pragmatic solutions, and adds a personal touch to advice. They have a solid team across the board. I do not see them as just there to make a profit. They are efficient and true partners.”

Chambers and Partners Europe 2024

Recent rankings and awards

Information Technology & Outsourcing - Band 1

Telecommunications

Commercial Litigation (mid-market)

IT and Telecoms - Tier 1

Artificial Intelligence

IT and Telecoms - Tier 1

Commercial Litigation (mid-market)

Key contacts

Mark Brown
Partner – Commercial disputes
Anna Cook's headshot
Anna Cook
Partner – Commercial disputes
Wes Walker's headshot
Wes Walker
Partner – Commercial disputes
Angela Fouracre
Partner – Commercial disputes