Bristows

Firm overview:

Acknowledged by a peer as a “strong player in the patent space”, Bristows houses one of the largest patent litigation practices in the UK. Its joined-up approach to UK, European and Unified Patent Court proceedings allows the team to handle some of the market’s most technically demanding disputes. Over the past year, the firm’s continued integration of its patents and brands capabilities has reinforced an already cohesive IP offering, a structure that peers have commented on with approval.

Team overview:

Bristows has a particularly deep life sciences bench, with strength in pharmaceutical and biotechnology disputes, and regulatory matters. A dedicated team of patent litigators works with colleagues in the competition law group to handle matters pertaining to standard-essential patent (SEP)/FRAND disputes.

Dominic Adair has built a strong reputation advising across the pharmaceutical product lifecycle, combining technical analysis with commercially focused litigation strategy. His ability to manage scientifically complex disputes has made him an increasingly important figure within one of the country’s leading patent litigation teams.

Brian Cordery acts on disputes involving some of the world’s leading healthcare businesses. Peers describe him as “extremely easy to deal with”, a quality that sits alongside his reputation for managing technically complex litigation with clarity, strategic judgement and considerable courtroom experience.

A significant recent departure from the team was that of Rob Burrows, who retired in July 2026 after nearly 26 years at Bristows. Burrows had significant experience in cross-border patent litigation, and was particularly active for life sciences clients, drawing on his PhD in molecular genetics.