Life Sciences: Transactional
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7415 6000About
Provided by Bird & Bird
Recognised across the major global directories as a top tier life sciences firm, our International Life Sciences & Healthcare group works with over 50% of the world’s largest pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices companies and has the largest patent litigation group in Europe.
Our multidisciplinary team can advise you on every aspect of the business cycle of a life science and healthcare product or service. We guide you through incorporation, development, financing and partnering, mergers & acquisitions, protection and exploitation of intellectual property, and the regulatory framework. We have extensive experience in technology transfers, IP licensing and corporate transactions, data protection, regulatory and privacy issues, competition law, R&D collaborations, clinical trials, marketing arrangements, trade mark and patent disputes, public procurement and product liability.
Our practice is built on the belief that it is important to understand the scientific, ethical and business challenges facing companies in the sector and take these into account in a practical and commercial way when advising our clients. We look closely at your commercial objectives and provide tailored strategic advice to help you achieve them.
Chambers Review
Bird & Bird has one of the finest IP and patent litigation practices in the world, routinely coordinating complex cross-border disputes. It has a deep and longstanding involvement in life sciences, with expertise in regulatory and compliance matters and commercial transactions in the sector. The team also advises on IP-led M&A and investment deals.
Work Highlights
- Bird & Bird successfully represented Gilead in patent revocation and infringement proceedings in the UK. This was regarding Gilead’s range of anti-viral products containing the drug, sofosbuvir.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Birds have a strong regulatory team, with impressive experience who are very good at handling complex matters. They have a very strong European network, with most offices at the top of their field."
"The Bird & Bird team are frankly amazing with excellent client service. The lawyers exceed our expectations when helping us navigate tricky waters."
"The Birds team is particularly detail-oriented, thinking through what might unfold, particularly adept at preparing to the depth of the case. Our presentations are thorough and well thought-out."
"Birds have a strong regulatory team, with impressive experience who are very good at handling complex matters. They have a very strong European network, with most offices at the top of their field."
"The Bird & Bird team are frankly amazing with excellent client service. The lawyers exceed our expectations when helping us navigate tricky waters."
"The Birds team is particularly detail-oriented, thinking through what might unfold, particularly adept at preparing to the depth of the case. Our presentations are thorough and well thought-out."
Notable Practitioners
Morag Macdonald has profound sector expertise handling complex patent and IP disputes for global pharmaceutical and biotech innovators. She frequently acts on matters with cross-border and Europe-wide implications.
"Morag is a very skilled and experienced litigator."
Sally Shorthose advises sector-leading multinationals on collaboration agreements, licensing deals and regulatory requirements in different European jurisdictions.
"Sally has super-wide experience. She is very knowledgeable and very pragmatic, providing well-delivered and timely advice."
"Sally is a very experienced regulatory adviser who understands the nuances of regulator's positions and so can provide great commercial value."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bird & Bird
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Bird & Bird
Eleanor Root
Ian Hunter
James Baillieu
Jennifer Jones
Head of Department
Patrick Kelleher
Sarah Faircliffe
Simon Allport
Sophie Eyre
Tim Harris
Clients
Provided by Bird & Bird
B Braun Melsungen
ConvaTec
Edwards Lifesciences
Fisher & Paykel
Merck KGaA
Teva
ThermoFisher