Department profile
Bristows LLP

Telecommunications

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Bristows LLP

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About

Provided by Bristows LLP

Bristows' lawyers are known for their experience in telecommunications-related deals and disputes and their understanding of the technical issues involved.

Work includes:
  • interpreting the regulatory regime that governs the provision and use of communications network
  • disputes covering technology and commercial issues
  • the procurement of fixed line and wireless networks
  • telecommunications patents
  • advising on the licensing of the technologies that underpin wireless and fixed line communications
  • communications outsourcing - acting for organisations outsourcing their communications needs (such as LAN, WAN and voice networks or call centre operations) and assisting network operators outsource the maintenance – or even operation – of their core network 

  • M&A and joint ventures in the telecom sector

Most of Bristows telecom specialist lawyers have technological backgrounds, including several to doctorate level: a key advantage when it assisting on the cutting edge technology projects that are driving convergence in the telecommunications sector. We really understand the technology underpinning telecoms deals and disputes. Our clients, whether they are patentees, implementers or patent pools, trust the us to really ‘get’ the issues in this complex and fast-moving field.

We've been closely involved in all the major telecoms technology litigation over the past ten years, including all the key disputes related to the application of “FRAND” rules for licensing standard essential patents. 

Industries (10)

  • IT
  • Telecom
  • Mobile
  • Financial Services
  • Insurance
  • Consumer Products
  • Government
  • Technology
  • Charities
  • Commercial and Professional Services

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Telecommunications - UK-wide

Band 4

What the Team is Known For

Bristows is famed for its technology expertise and has a substantial telecoms hardware client base on the basis of its IP practice alone. Beyond that, the law firm handles cross-border regulatory and compliance matters that examine the treatment of OTT service providers and sensitive issues of data protection law. The team assists with transactions in the sector as well as the procurement of telecoms services on a domestic or an international basis. Bristows' lawyers also handle commercial contracts, including network services and outsourcing supply contracts.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bristows represented Platform Science in establishing its European business, negotiating commercial agreements as well as advising on an acquisition.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Bristows team understand client needs and go the extra mile to deliver effective advice.

    Telecommunications respondentUK

  • Bristows offers in-depth industry knowledge combined with a pragmatic, commercially focused approach.

    Telecommunications respondentUK

  • They know what they need to know and keep themselves up to date with any changes. They distil complex concepts down very well and are very responsive and available by email and Teams calls.

    Telecommunications respondentUK

  • Bristows give the client solutions that can be be implemented. Advice is practical and experience-based, and informed by an understanding the limitations and risk for the client.

    Telecommunications respondentUK

  • It has been really positive - they are incredibly experienced and knowledgeable in their fields, and very responsive and great to deal with. Their advice is pragmatic and digestible.

    Telecommunications respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Toby Crick
    Toby Crick

    Toby Crick

    Toby Crick is a recognised telecoms practitioner who handles both regulatory and transactional mandates. He is especially well regarded for providing expert commercial advice to regulatory authorities.

    • Toby Crick is always on top of his game and gives spot-on, pragmatic advice on complex issues.

      Telecommunications respondentUK

    • He approaches every challenge with a can-do attitude and a problem-solving mindset.

      Telecommunications respondentUK

    • Toby Crick's knowledge and understanding of our multiple issues is always impressive, as is the turnaround and quality of his advice.

      Telecommunications respondentUK

    • I have been most impressed with Toby's professionalism, responsiveness and grasp of technical and commercial issues.

      Telecommunications respondentUK

    • Toby Crick is very familiar with our commercial and legal challenges. His judgement and advice have become indispensable to us.

      Telecommunications respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Bristows LLP (1)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Bristows LLP

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