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We help leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies navigate and resolve contentious issues arising out of their life sciences contracts, especially those involving highly technical, IP-rich subject matter.

Our team has in-depth knowledge of the drug development life cycle from bench-scale production through to trial phases, regulatory approval, manufacture scale-up and commercialisation. This informed expertise means we are able to resolve a wide spectrum of disputes such as those relating to licensing IP and know-how, technical/quality agreements, research collaboration contracts, API manufacturing, development services, supply and distribution.

We also advise on product liability and misuse of confidential information matters related to medicinal drugs and medical devices.

Our clients trust us to assess and manage complex disputes through to resolution on a spread of issues including breach of contract, wrongful termination, royalty rate assessments, trial phases, GMP and regulatory compliance, product liability and misuse of confidential information. Where needed, we bring in expertise from our specialist life sciences regulatory, patent litigation and commercial contracts teams.

If unavoidable, we vigorously deploy our strong experience in litigation, arbitration and other forms of ADR such as mediation, expert determination and judicial review to protect our clients’ interests and enforce their rights.

Experience

Licence fees and royalty rate dispute of a pharma product

Representing a pharma company in relation to a claim for royalties under a collaboration agreement for the development of a monoclonal antibody blockbuster drug.

Wrongful termination and breaches of pharma product manufacture and supply contracts

Representing a pharma company in relation to the contested termination of manufacture and supply contracts of a licensed active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Breaches of technical quality contracts and regulatory compliance

Representing a pharma company in relation to claims against CMO for breaches of technical quality agreement, GMP guidelines and CAPAs concerning OOS API batches.

Breach of reasonable endeavours obligations under licence agreement

Advising a pharma company in a claim relating to breaches of a licence, development and commercialisation agreement for failure to comply with “reasonable endeavours” obligations to promote and sell a peptide drug.

Master Services Agreement for human drug trials

Advising a biotech client in relation to breaches of work orders under a master services agreement for the conduct of clinical trials.

Misuse of confidential information

Representing a pharma company in relation to allegations of misuse of confidential information relating to the formula of an active pharmaceutical ingredient.

What others say

“They have a very pragmatic yet detailed approach; they get to the point quickly and deliver advice that is easily shared and implemented with commercial colleagues.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“They have an excellent depth of knowledge and experience in both the law and the MedTech industry. They are always responsive and attentive.”

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

“I have closely worked with the life sciences and healthcare team at Bristows over many years. I have found them to be very professional and reliable. They comprise a very friendly team that is dedicated to their client’s cause. In my experience, they stand out amongst many competitors because of their high level of competence, thoroughness and availability to their clients at short notice.”

Legal 500 2026

“Bristows are very good at handling complex matters. They have a strong team with impressive junior solicitors coming through.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“Best in the business. The Bristows lawyers are clear, concise and articulate.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“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

“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

“Bristows has superb breadth and in-depth technological know-how. They are wonderful life sciences litigators and have been for decades.”

Legal 500 2025

“The Bristows team are a team to be reckoned with in the fields of life sciences and healthcare. They combine excellent technical knowledge with legal nous to achieve the commercial objectives of their clients, guiding them efficiently and effectively to a valuable result.”

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

“The team at Bristows can always be relied on to provide balanced, pragmatic and business-savvy legal advice and solutions. We received strong support from partners and associates across a range of different business needs.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

Recent rankings and awards

Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation - Band 1

Life Sciences and Healthcare - Tier 1

Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border) (UK)

Life Sciences (Europe)

Life Sciences (Europe wide)

Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)

Life Sciences (Europe wide)

Key contacts

Mark Brown
Partner – Commercial disputes
Angela Fouracre
Partner – Commercial disputes
Adrian Chew's headshot
Adrian Chew
Partner – Patent litigation
Wes Walker's headshot
Wes Walker
Partner – Commercial disputes