Commercial & IP transactions

We have one of the largest groups of lawyers in the UK specialising in intellectual property law and commercial intellectual property matters, with a particular focus on advising on and negotiating standalone IP transactions.

Clients seek our intellectual property legal advice and intellectual property legal services across a wide range of commercial arrangements involving the creation, development and commercialising intellectual property. These arrangements often centre on clients’ most valuable assets – their inventions, ideas, technologies, brands, designs, software and content – and require specialist commercial IP services grounded in both legal and technical expertise.

We work with a wide variety of clients, ranging from start-ups and SMEs to household names and global multinationals to academic institutions, charities and government bodies. Our clients come from every business sector including life sciences, IT, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, chemical, education, charities, publishing, digital media, branding and consumer products. 

Our team advises on a wide variety of transactions involving the creation, development and commercialisation of intellectual property, the majority of which are cross-border. These matters include high-value research collaborations, licensing arrangements, brand licensing and merchandising, and the intellectual property aspects of corporate and joint venture transactions, all underpinned by robust intellectual property agreements. Many of our lawyers have extensive technical qualifications and industry experience, enabling us to deliver pragmatic, commercially focused intellectual property legal services tailored to complex international deals.

Our key areas of expertise in commercial & IP transactions

Experience

Negotiating a global partnering arrangement for the development and commercialisation of intellectual property involving ground breaking cancer therapy and pioneering digital health solutions, including advising on the related data protection and regulatory aspects. 

Advising a consortium of major international technology companies in relation to the establishment of a new digital telecommunications standard and the ownership and licensing of intellectual property rights relating to the standard.

Acting for a household name on a major multi-jurisdictional disposal of a portfolio of some of its most famous consumer products, involving advice on complex matters in relation to the sale and ongoing licensing and co‑existence arrangements in respect of various iconic brands.

Passle

Get in touch

Speak to our Commercial IP team

Looking for legal advice on IP transactions, licensing or commercialising intellectual property? Get in touch with our specialists today. 

Contact us

What others say

“…What truly distinguishes the team is their unwavering commitment to our matters and their genuine enthusiasm for complex, cross-border patent work.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“Bristows is an excellent firm. They have an excellent team with extensive knowledge of litigation both in the English courts and in other countries, including in particularly difficult jurisdictions…”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“They are super-responsive to our needs and requests. Bristows lawyers are very skilled. They immediately understand what we are looking for and what we need.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“The lawyers are very knowledgeable and responsive. They are well suited to large cases.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“Bristows are one of the top IP firms for a reason – strength in depth. It doesn’t matter who you go to, you will get an excellent service. There is a really good team spirit, and they work incredibly well together.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“They are extremely sharp, forward-thinking and extremely sophisticated. Bristows has a very deep and broad bench who are extremely responsive.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“I think they’re the best firm for patent litigation in London right now. Bristows is really strong. The firm has an excellent balance of technical and commercial knowledge, whilst being good value for money.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“The team at Bristows was completely joined up and prepared at all times. Its lawyers had clearly briefed each other fully and appropriately on their relevant areas.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“The lawyers at Bristows are proactive, commercial, and pragmatic.”

Chambers & Partners UK 2027

“They are the best data protection team we deal with. They are extremely knowledgeable, very practical, and really nice people to deal with. Their advice is truly practical and helps us to do business in a lawful and ethical way.”

Legal 500 2027

“The team is incredibly well-versed in the subject matter, has a very broad view of various industries, and offers useful, practical advice. They take the time to really get to know the business and what matters most and don’t give advice that needs to go through further in-house filters before it can be applied. They are very approachable and make themselves available whenever needed.”

Legal 500 2027

“Not just brilliant and pragmatic lawyers, but also really nice people you want to hang out with.”

Legal 500 2027

They have taken the extra mile to help ensure they have the right information at the outset and understand where we need to get to.

Legal 500 2027

Highly knowledgeable and experienced people. Easy to connect with, always on call.

Legal 500 2027

“The firm is excellent at providing advice in complex situations. The team are very smart, have good industry knowledge, are creative in their advice and take a solution-oriented approach.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“The partners and associates have a strong commercial and industry grounding, and are pragmatic and solution-oriented.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“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

“Excellent team with strength in depth in the life sciences and tech space. Strong market knowledge. Responsive and solution-focused.”

Legal 500 2026

“Bristows have always been exceptionally responsive to my queries around commercial contract matters, and really take responsibility for driving projects forward.”

Legal 500 2026

“They are super-responsive and very flexible in general, and especially if we need support with sensitive or urgent matters.”

Legal 500 2026

“Bristows has a very personalised approach which feels very community-focused.”

Legal 500 2026

“Doubtlessly, Bristows houses a deep understanding of the law, has broad knowledge and a great appreciation of business which is of crucial importance when deciding on strategy.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“They have a proven ability in many complex cases to devise good strategies, think outside the box and always act very effectively with the client’s interests in mind.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“Bristows is a top-tier firm with leading industry knowledge of the life sciences. They’ve always got fingers on the pulse of legislation and offer really business-friendly advice.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“They are very good. They are pragmatic, no nonsense, and you get really good and sensible advice.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“They have very significant experience. The people are excellent to work with.”

Legal 500 2025

“Enthusiastic team who give pragmatic advice.”

Legal 500 2025

“Bristows is a class act when it comes to all areas of intellectual property. Its team bring a broad range of experience and are always on hand to answer questions; they are very responsive and highly skilled.”

WTR 1000 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 are very strong in the life sciences area with deep understanding of the regulations and requirements. They deliver as promised, are friendly to work with and communicate clearly and openly.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

Recent rankings and awards

Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation - Band 1

Intellectual Property: Law Firms With Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys - Band 1

Intellectual Property - Band 1

Commercial Contracts

Commercial contracts - Tier 2

Intellectual Property – Band 1 (UK)

Intellectual Property – Band 1

Life Sciences: Transactional - Band 2

Intellectual Property: Law Firms With Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys (Spotlight)

Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation - Band 1

Intellectual Property: Trade Marks, Copyright and Design - Tier 1

Commercial Contracts - Tier 2

Patent Transactions - Gold

Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation - Band 1

Intellectual Property - Band 1

Intellectual Property (UK) - Band 1

Recommended - Transactions

Commended for Intellectual Property

Life Sciences: Transactional - Band 2

Information Technology & Outsourcing - Band 1

Intellectual Property: Patents (contentious & non-contentious) - Tier 1

Best Firm for Intellectual Property

Life Sciences and Healthcare - Tier 1

Media and Entertainment - Tier 2

Key Contacts

Richard Dickinson headshot
Richard Dickinson
Partner – Commercial & IP transactions
Ellen Lambrix's headshot
Ellen Lambrix
Partner – Commercial & IP transactions
Matthew Warren
Senior Partner – Commercial & IP transactions
Claire Smith headshot
Claire Smith
Partner – Commercial & IP transactions