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Claire Smith

Partner - Commercial & IP transactions

Claire Smith headshot

Claire specialises in commercial and intellectual property transactions, most notably in the life sciences, technology, media and consumer product sectors.

Claire advises on a wide variety of commercial and IP transactions (the large majority of which are cross-border) and on corporate and investment deals where IP is an important asset.

Before becoming a lawyer, Claire spent a number of years working for Abbott Laboratories’ medical device business. Since being at Bristows, Claire has also spent time seconded to the in-house legal team of a leading global pharmaceutical company. She is also a member of the UK Bio Industry Association’s Intellectual Property Advisory Committee.

Examples of her recent experience include advising:

  • Pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and digital health companies on joint ventures, R&D collaborations, strategic partnerships and licensing deals (with commercial and academic partners) to bring novel treatments and devices to market
  • Leading pharmaceutical companies on acquisitions and disposals of rights in medicinal products and the sale of manufacturing and packaging facilities
  • Multinational companies on key COVID-19 projects, including collaborations relating to a multijurisdictional clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine, and setting up and operating a COVID-19 testing facility
  • SMEs and international organisations on development, services, manufacturing, supply and distribution agreements for a wide range of pharmaceutical, industrial and consumer products
  • A fast-growing start-up on the IP and commercial arrangements relating to the creation, protection and exploitation of a new children’s character

Credentials

  • MA Law, University of Oxford
  • Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice, University of Bristol
  • Qualified 2003
  • Partner 2019

Publications

Biotech Review of the Year

Read here

What others say

“Claire is an excellent licensing lawyer, tenacious yet mindful of market practice and business pragmatism. She has great attention to detail as well as being able to see the bigger picture, knowing when to push points and when to concede.” IAM Patent 1000 2025
“Claire Smith is another indispensable partner for high-level collaboration and licensing agreements as well as providing expert advice on merger and acquisitions.” WTR 1000 2025
“She understands the commercial value of intellectual property and ensures this is accurately reflected in the deals she draws up.” WTR 1000 2025
“She is sensible and rational and helps us find effective, practical solutions.” Chambers & Partners 2025
“Claire is very knowledgeable with a deep understanding of licensing.” Chambers & Partners 2025
“Smith comes praised for her ‘expert representation of her clients’ interests in negotiations and discussions. She works diligently to structure challenging deals, makes pragmatic suggestions and has an eye for what issues are most important. Claire also retains her sense of humour, no matter how tense the situation’.” IAM Patent 1000 2024
“Claire Smith expertly pens licensing and collaborative agreements which have intellectual property at the centre. She is rigorously business minded and an essential partner for brand-rich entities looking to maximise value.” WTR 1000 2024
“Claire Smith has deep knowledge of licensing and commercial partnership agreements.” Legal 500 2024
“Her advice is unfailingly business sensitive and always pragmatic.” IAM Patent 1000 2023
“A highly regarded patent transactions lawyer.” Legal 500 2022
“Intellectually brilliant and superb marriage of IP and commercial.” Legal 500 2022
Claire “focused on our objectives, working with a can-do, solution-based approach. I was impressed with her knowledge, attention to detail and quick turnaround.” IAM Patent 1000 2022

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