We are uniquely equipped to advise organisations operating in the devices and medtech space. With one of the most highly regarded life sciences practices in the world, and a market-leading technology practice, convergence is an exciting area for us - and we are always at the forefront of developments where digital technology and healthcare come together.

With plenty of scientists and technology enthusiasts among our lawyers, we are not only able to keep up with industry trends but we are, perhaps more importantly, able to understand the science and technology behind them as well as the legal issues that may arise.  From traditional devices, instruments and equipment, to health apps and algorithm development, to the collection and use of healthcare data and the development of new software and technologies, we are able to draw on the depth of knowledge and experience of our leading life sciences and technology practices to offer a complete legal service.

Key contacts

Alex Denoon

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Claire Smith

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Experience

For many years, we have advised Smith & Nephew, one of the world’s leading medical devices and medical technology companies. Our work has included patent litigation in relation to wound healing products and technology, M&A, regulatory advice, and procurement of IT and digital technologies and services.

Our client, a leading healthcare provider, wanted to offer its patients a seamless digital service to access their medical information, book appointments and manage their payments. We supported our client’s initial investment into the Silicon Valley start-up it was partnering with, advised on IP licensing and IT hosting arrangements, as well as data protection and regulatory compliance.

Advising Genomics England (GEL) on the 100,000 Genome Project, a project backed by the UK Government to sequence the DNA of 100,000 NHS patients.  Over more than five years, we have advised GEL on its IP and commercialisation strategy for implementing the largest sequencing project in the world and led negotiations for the various data, IT, technology and IP commercialisation projects, as well as assisting on real estate transactions to house the sequencing and technology hardware and providing employment and corporate advisory services to the organisation.

We advised ResMed, the world’s leading manufacturer of medical respiratory devices, in defence of UK revocation proceedings brought by a significant competitor in relation to three of ResMed’s patents. The dispute related to products for diagnosing and treating sleep-related respiratory disorders and involved our coordinating parallel litigation in nine jurisdictions.

Our client, one of the most high-profile creators of artificial intelligence in the world, regularly seeks our advice in connection with regulatory compliance for novel products in the healthcare arena.

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What others say

“Bristows has always been a first choice for life sciences clients.”

Juve UK 2023

“They are excellent, they have really good work and nice people there.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Their reputation is well deserved.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

“Bristows provides very strong and pragmatic advice founded on a deep understanding of the life sciences sector.”

Chambers and Partners 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. 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

Recent rankings and awards

Life Sciences: Transactional - Band 2
Chambers and Partners UK 2023

Life Sciences: IP/Patent litigation  - Band 1
Chambers and Partners UK 2023

Life Sciences and Healthcare - Tier 1
Legal 500 2023

Life Sciences - Band 1
Chambers and Partners UK 2022

Life Sciences - Band 4
Chambers and Partners Europe 2022

Life Sciences - Band 4
Chambers and Partners Global 2022

Best Life Sciences Law Firm - Europe
Global Health & Pharma - Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2021

Life Sciences
Leaders League UK 2020