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Regulatory & advisory

The pursuit of bright ideas can take you into all kinds of regulatory terrain. We’re here to guide you.

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As an innovator you’re bound to face regulatory obstacles. The more your work pushes boundaries, the more complex and uncertain things become. To make ideas happen you must be able to move unhindered through this landscape.

It takes a team of regulatory solicitors who share your curiosity for the field. Advisers you can trust to make the complex clear. And companions with the conviction to support you all the way. Our clients recognise the difference these qualities make.

Why choose Bristows?

  • We are inclusive
  • We share responsibilities, and support one another
  • We are inquisitive, bright and meticulous
  • We deliver quality thinking and solutions
  • We trust each other and make things happen
About us

Our regulatory & advisory expertise

We offer expert advice spanning IP portfolio management, competition, freedom to operate, data protection & privacy, advertising & marketing, life sciences and not-for-profit.

TM & design portfolio management

We have a wealth of experience in handling and managing worldwide IP portfolios, conducting clearance programmes, advising in relation to contentious registry proceedings and resolving disputes.

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Competition advice & investigations

We’re ready to support you on all aspects of competition law, from devising bespoke compliance systems to advising on any competition law risks arising from your commercial strategies or agreements.

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Data protection & privacy

We have one of the biggest and best-known teams in Europe, ready to provide pragmatic advice and guidance that will make a meaningful difference for your business, on a huge range of data protection issues.

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Life sciences regulatory

We’re the trusted regulatory adviser for the life sciences sector, including pharma and biotech, gene therapy, veterinary medicine, medical devices, in vitro-diagnostics and digital health. Many of our lawyers have direct experience working within the fields of bioscience, genetics and neuroscience.

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Freedom to operate

We help our clients avoid litigation from the outset. With our knowledge of how courts assess infringement and validity of rights, we can provide clarity on the risks involved in any new project, for every sector and technology.

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Advertising & marketing

Leading brand owners trust us for a clear view on the legality of advertising campaigns, sales promotions and a whole range of related issues, from agency appointments and media buying to digital marketing and social networking.

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Charities & not-for-profit

We’re the trusted legal services partner for a great range of UK and international charities, foundations, universities and not-for-profit organisations. We’re known particularly for advising some of the UK’s leading professional and academic institutions.

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Our key regulatory & advisory experts

What others say

“The team offers extensive expertise in and deep understanding of the complexities of data protection laws. They stay ahead of legislative changes so that their advice is always up to date.”

 Chambers & Partners 2025

“Bristows’ team is very pragmatic and to the point. They don’t overcomplicate things. They think like in-house lawyers and are my go-to.”

 Chambers & Partners 2025

“Great sector knowledge and technical legal know-how for traditional and new media.”

 Legal 500 2025

“They provide a Rolls Royce service, working with the top barristers in the field to ensure a positive outcome for their client in litigation.”

 Legal 500 2025

“Particularly strong on online publications where the firm has a wealth of technical expertise.”

 Legal 500 2025