We are known for our work on some of the largest and most challenging commercial and contractual disputes for dynamic companies.

Our clients are market-leading organisations operating at the forefront of innovation and change in their industries, typically across borders.  In addition to technical expertise and years of experience, we offer an in-depth knowledge and understanding of their industries. They trust us to handle their most complex, technical disputes and protect their highly valuable intellectual property rights.

We act for our clients in litigation at all levels of the English courts, in arbitration proceedings, as well as facilitating settlement discussions, mediation and early neutral evaluation. However, we also recognise the value to our clients of avoiding disputes altogether, and work with them to identify potential risks at an early stage and develop comprehensive risk mitigation and management solutions.

We offer a number of flexible case management options, using the latest advanced case management and reporting tools, e-discovery technologies and automation.  Our investment in technology means that, even when we scale up, our lawyers remain accessible and knowledgeable.

One the hallmarks of our practice is our ability to provide seamless, cost effective management of complex cross-border disputes. We have strong relationships with leading foreign law firms and third party service providers, which allow us to provide the best expertise possible through the convenience of working with one firm.

While we are proud of the depth of our commercial and legal expertise, we are also friendly and personable and strive to work as an extended part of our clients’ teams.

Key contacts

Mark Brown

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Anna Cook

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Angela Fouracre

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Experience

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What others say

“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

“They have a clear understanding of what our business wants to achieve and that underpins all their advice. They know when to involve the business stakeholders and are able to tailor their approach to that audience and suggest solutions that take key business drivers into account.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

“Bristows has a comprehensive IT practice with powerful resources for major commercial transactions and complex litigation. It advises many of the world’s leading technology companies, and also sophisticated blue-chip buyers of IT services. It is especially adept at providing counsel on the most current and cutting-edge issues in the technology space. Bristows houses experienced advisers on digital advertising and cloud computing matters.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

“Notable experience in commercial disputes involving the technology, life sciences and consumer products sectors.”

Legal 500 2024

“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. The Bristows IP team is also distinguished for its work on the commercialisation of IP at the vanguard of life sciences and technology, and is additionally recommended for its trade mark prosecution service.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Their advice is always practical, realistic and adaptable.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Bristows have an incredible depth and breadth of experience.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Bristows has a comprehensive IT practice with powerful resources for major commercial transactions and complex litigation. It advises many of the world’s leading technology companies, and also sophisticated blue-chip buyers of IT services. It is especially adept at providing counsel on the most current and cutting-edge issues in the technology space.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“With their wealth of experience, most questions can be handled with a quick call.”

Legal 500 2023

“I value the practical nature of the advice the team gives.”

Legal 500 2023

“The media and entertainment team at Bristows combines the best of in-depth practice area knowledge with pragmatic, client-focused advice. They are a fantastic extension of our in-house legal team, and whenever I reach out to them, it always makes life easier.”

Legal 500 2023

“A renowned expert on issues arising around advertising and brand protection.”

Legal 500 2023

“The practice at Bristows LLP rests firmly on its pillars of advertising, brand protection, and film/TV production where it represents clients from these sub-sectors in both contentious and non-contentious matters.”

Legal 500 2023

“The team at Bristows strike the perfect balance between excellent technical legal knowledge and industry insight and experience. They are able to distil often complex legal positions into easy to digest and practical advice. The strategic value they are able to add sets them apart from their competitors.”

Legal 500 2023

Recent rankings and awards

Commended for Technology, Media & Telecoms

Information Technology & Outsourcing - Band 1

Telecommunications - Band 4

IT and Telecoms - Tier 1

Commercial Litigation (mid-market) - Tier 3

Reputation Management - Tier 2

Commended for Technology, Media & Telecoms

Media & entertainment: Gaming, social media & interactive content - Band 3

Technology, Media and Telecoms - Tier 2

Media and Entertainment - Tier 2

Technology Sector (International & Cross-border) - Band 1

Data Protection - Band 3

Commercial Litigation