Consistently ranked in the top tier in all major directories, the patent litigation practice combines technical expertise covering all the major scientific and engineering disciplines, with an unrivalled depth and breadth of litigation experience.
Whilst operating mainly in the Patents Court in London, our team is also very experienced in the coordination of international disputes (including arbitration), often also working with colleagues in complementary practices within Bristows in areas such as regulatory and competition law.
Comprising 11 partners, over 30 other UK qualified lawyers, and a further 20 fee-earners, the patent litigation team is probably the largest dedicated patent litigation group in the UK. We also work regularly with other groups within Bristows, notably the life sciences regulatory group and the competition group across a range of issues from life sciences to telecoms, for example in relation to Standard Essential Patent disputes.
Most partners and associates have at least a first degree in science or engineering, with several (including five of the partners) having PhD level qualifications. This enables us to understand even the most complex technology and communicate it effectively through expert witness evidence to the Court. Whilst life sciences and telecoms cases dominate our workload, the team has an abundance of experience in numerous other technical areas such as automotive, aerospace, optics and oil & gas. Put simply, we relish the opportunity to dig deeply into complex technology of any sort to assist our clients achieve their commercial goals.
Whilst practising mainly in the London Patents Court, the team also has substantial experience of acting in smaller cases in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court, and the Patent Office where we also offer advocacy services. We deal with all types of patent disputes, including as well as infringement and validity cases, matters such as entitlement (ownership), SPCs, employee compensation, exhaustion of rights, and threats of patent infringement. The team also deals, often in conjunction with colleagues in the commercial & technology disputes group, with licensing disputes which may involve arbitration or other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
With an eye on the future, the team has ensured that it is fully prepared for the Unified Patent Court, including providing client training and seminars as well as information through our dedicated UPC site.