Name: Bristows
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What is the Unified Patent Court?

The Unified Patent Court (UPC) is a new European court system with jurisdiction over European and Unitary patents. Established under the UPC Agreement, it offers a single framework for patent enforcement across Europe. Operating under harmonised UPC Rules of Procedure, the Court aims to streamline litigation and deliver consistent, Europe-wide decisions.

Patentees can choose whether to keep existing European patents within the UPC's jurisdiction or to file a UPC opt-out, removing them from the Court's reach for a transitional period - a strategic decision with long-term enforcement consequences. Bristows' UPC lawyers advise on opt-out strategy, Unitary patent protection, and how the UPC interacts with parallel national patent litigation across Europe.

Our UPC litigation and advisory services

Bristows helps clients navigate the strategic and practical considerations arising from the UPC, drawing on our extensive experience of European patent litigation. We work with clients to develop effective litigation strategies, assess the opportunities and risks presented by the new system, and manage the complexities of disputes spanning multiple European jurisdictions. Our integrated approach brings together patent litigation, technical and commercial expertise to deliver coordinated advice throughout the lifecycle of a dispute.

The Bristows UPC team

With one of Europe’s largest and most experienced teams of patent litigators - including European-qualified lawyers and technical specialists – under one roof, Bristows brings unmatched capability to complex UPC litigation. Independent from any local division, we deliver an objective, strategic approach that safeguards clients’ interests. Knowing what it takes to win in the international context, we can safeguard your litigation interests both within and outside the UPC.

Our team comprises 13 Partners, all of whom are authorised to represent clients before the UPC, and more than 25 Associates, many with deep technical backgrounds. Together with our UPC Director in our Dublin office, we bring unparalleled experience in coordinating global patent strategies for some of the world’s most successful businesses.

A UPC law firm

Bristows’ cases in the UPC to date involve technology in the pharma and medical diagnostics, implantable medical devices, commercial food waste management and smartphone sectors, including SEP and FRAND cases. These include cases where we have been handling or coordinating parallel national litigation. Whatever the dispute, we have the right team for you.

UPC opt-out and strategy advice

We advise patent owners on whether, when and which patents to opt out of the UPC, and on the strategic trade-offs between central UPC enforcement and national litigation. From pre-action UPC strategy to multi-jurisdictional enforcement, our lawyers help clients make UPC decisions that protect long-term portfolio value.

Bristows & the UPC

We stand apart for our expertise, insight and resources. We’re ready with a comprehensive infrastructure and innovative knowledge management tools. We look forward to working with you.

Contact our UPC team(opens in new tab)

Discover more about the UPC

Explore Bristows' Unified Patent Court (UPC) media and tools, including the UPC Review of the Year, our UPC case tracker, and You, Me & the UPC podcast(opens in new tab) - offering expert insight and analysis on the latest UPC developments.

Publication & video series:

UPC Review of the Year

Unified Patent Court (UPC) case tracker

You, Me and the UPC

Bristows' patent litigation experts unpack key UPC decisions, explore their implications, and share practical strategies to help your business navigate the UPC with confidence.

Inquisitive Minds: UPC insights and case analysis

Explore Bristows' latest analysis of Unified Patent Court (UPC) decisions and case law, with expert commentary and practical updates from our patent litigation team. From Court of Appeal rulings to first-instance enforcement and opt-out disputes, our insights track how UPC case law is developing across Europe.

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Read all UPC insights

You, Me & the UPC podcasts

Listen to You, Me & the UPC Podcast where Bristows' patent litigation experts unpack key UPC decisions, explore their implications, and share practical strategies to help your business navigate the Unified Patent Court with confidence.

Frequently asked questions about the UPC

A UPC opt-out removes an existing European patent from the jurisdiction of the Unified Patent Court for a transitional period, meaning it can only be enforced or challenged through national courts unless and until the opt out is withdrawn, which is not always possible. Opting out avoids the risk of a single central revocation across Europe, but also forgoes the ability to obtain a single, pan-European injunction through the UPC. The right decision depends on portfolio value, litigation risk appetite and commercial strategy. Bristows' UPC lawyers advise patentees on whether, when and which patents to opt out, and on the timing and procedural steps involved.

Representation before the UPC is reserved for lawyers authorised to practise before the courts of a UPC Contracting Member State, and for European Patent Attorneys with the appropriate litigation qualification. Bristows' UPC team comprises 13 partners, all authorised to represent clients before the Court, supported by more than 25 associates and a UPC Director based in Dublin - one of Europe's largest dedicated UPC benches.

The UPC Rules of Procedure govern how proceedings are conducted before the Unified Patent Court – from the different phases, i.e. the written, interim and oral procedures, to evidence, case management and appeals. They are designed to deliver fast, front-loaded litigation, with first-instance decisions typically targeted within around a year from issue. Understanding how the Rules operate in practice is central to UPC strategy, and Bristows' lawyers apply them daily across actions in all divisions of the Court.

A Unitary patent provides uniform protection across all participating UPC states through a single right, while a classical European patent is a bundle of national patents. Both fall within the jurisdiction of the Unified Patent Court unless a classical European patent has been opted out. The choice between Unitary and classical European patent protection - and the related opt-out decision if a classical European patent is selected - has significant enforcement and cost implications. Bristows advises on both protection strategy and the litigation consequences that follow.

No. The United Kingdom is not a Contracting Member State of the Unified Patent Court, so the UPC does not have direct jurisdiction over the UK. However, many UPC disputes run in parallel with UK national patent litigation, and businesses frequently need coordinated strategies spanning both. Further, both the UPC and the UK have forms of cross-border jurisdiction reaching into each other’s jurisdiction in appropriate cases. With litigators qualified across UK and UPC proceedings, Bristows coordinates parallel UK and UPC actions to deliver a single, joined-up enforcement strategy.

What others say

“Bristows’s patents team isn’t governed by billing targets as others are, so they have the time to get to grips with the tech in a very deep way.”
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

“I think they are the best for patent litigation – their calibre is unmatched.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“They are a top-tier firm with a very busy FRAND and tech-side IP practice.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“Bristows’ patent litigators are excellent, highly motivated and hard-working. As a team, they are particularly good at a deep understanding of the relevant technology and applying that knowledge to tactical advantage in litigation. Moreover, the people are down-to-earth and fun to work with, which makes a real difference. I have worked with almost every other top-tier patent litigation firm in London, and Bristows is a definite leader in the field.”
Legal 500 2026

“Amongst the best in the UK and with a good network of partner firms to coordinate UPC cases. Young, dynamic partners with enthusiastic and able associates.”
Legal 500 2026

“The Bristows team are a total delight to work with – they combine excellent IP knowledge with fantastic commercial awareness in the TMT sector on issues such as patent licensing/FRAND. They have real strength in depth in the team, from the most senior partners to the more junior associates.”
Legal 500 2026

“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

Recognised as a leading patent litigation and UPC firm

Bristows is consistently ranked in the top tier of the legal directories for its patent litigation work, including Band 1 for Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation in Chambers and Partners(opens in new tab) and Tier 1 for patents (contentious and non-contentious) in The Legal 500(opens in new tab). Every one of our patent partners is authorised to represent clients before the Unified Patent Court, and the team is recognised for its UPC work by JUVE Patent(opens in new tab).

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Contact our UPC team

Our UPC-authorised lawyers act for patent owners and defendants across all divisions of the Unified Patent Court, from opt-out strategy to infringement, revocation and enforcement. Contact the team below to discuss your UPC strategy.