Life Sciences: Product Liability
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
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Provided by Freshfields
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Chambers Review
Freshfields has a well-known patent litigation practice. It represents clients on 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 on transactions in the sector.
Work Highlights
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer coordinated International Flavors & Fragrances' cross-border patent dispute with Novozymes in Denmark concerning alpha-amylase detergent enzymes.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Freshfields really excels in complex and larger transactions as they have a breadth of capabilities across functions and geographies which enables them to deliver a top product across the board."
"The Freshfields lawyers provide pragmatic and strategic advice. Their ability to think outside the box and be creative especially in these unusual and unprecedented situations is helpful."
"Freshfields are excellent to work with and handling complex, sophisticated, high-value work is their sweet spot. They have excellent communication, legal analysis, commercial and client focus."
"Freshfields really excels in complex and larger transactions as they have a breadth of capabilities across functions and geographies which enables them to deliver a top product across the board."
"The Freshfields lawyers provide pragmatic and strategic advice. Their ability to think outside the box and be creative especially in these unusual and unprecedented situations is helpful."
"Freshfields are excellent to work with and handling complex, sophisticated, high-value work is their sweet spot. They have excellent communication, legal analysis, commercial and client focus."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"It's very specific know-how you need and Andrew is the only one I would feel comfortable to do such a deal with. He certainly has the technical expertise and the deal experience."
"Andrew is one of the few lawyers actually able to provide not only legal expertise, but also political context around the new rules for liability of defective products."
"Andrew is always a pleasure to work with - he is extremely personable as well as an excellent lawyer."
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 amazing and stands out for his deep scientific knowledge. Our patents are incredibly complex and technical and he can speak the language. A great advocate in court as well."
"Chris leads by example. He is creative, gives pragmatic advice and understands the law, science and technology."
"Christopher is good at issue-spotting and gives practical advice."