Department profile
Freshfields

Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Freshfields

Rankings

About

Provided by Freshfields

Please visit the Freshfields website for more details about our work in this category:

Life sciences | Freshfields

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation - UK-wide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Freshfields has a well-known patent litigation practice. It represents clients in a broad range of patent-related matters such as patent infringement and licensing disputes. The firm has additional expertise in product liability defence and can draw upon its wider IP and commercial resources to support transactions in the sector.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields advised Argenx, a global clinical-stage biotechnology company specialising in antibodies, on the product liability and regulatory landscape in the UK.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have deep knowledge of UK legislation, are very professional and provided clear guidance that addressed our needs.

    Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK
  • Freshfields are extremely thorough, responsive and very easy to work with.

    Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK
  • A phenomenal product liability team.

    Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK
  • A very personable team – collegial and client-focused.

    Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Andrew Austin
    Band 1Andrew Austin

    Andrew Austin

    Andrew Austin is a seasoned product liability litigator with an impressive record defending often multi-jurisdictional claims against life sciences products, including medical devices, vaccines and diagnostic tools. He also advises on risk management and interactions.

    • Austin is one of the cleverest lawyers I know, and he is very involved in how the law is developing.

      Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK
    • Andrew Austin is very client-focused and agile, smart and considerate. A very high-performing person.

      Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK
    • Andrew is a joy to work with. He is extremely responsive and has deep knowledge and understanding of our industry.

      Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK
  • Band 2Christopher Stothers
    Band 2Christopher Stothers

    Christopher Stothers

    Christopher Stothers is a solicitor advocate recommended for patent and trade secrets litigation, and is well thought of by life sciences industry associations. He is also knowledgeable on the regulation of medicines and medical devices.

    • Christopher is very responsive and has a pragmatic and constructive approach to litigation.

      Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK
    • Christopher Stothers is a well-known authority on the Unified Patents Court.

      Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK
    • He is talented, knowledgeable and business-savvy.

      Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Freshfields (2)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Freshfields

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