Bristows LLP

Commercial IP

Matthew is the head of Bristows’ Commercial IP group and advises on transactions involving the development, exploitation and transfer of intellectual property rights.

His scientific background is of particular assistance when negotiating and advising on transactions involving new technologies. He has advised on a number of successful global licensing programmes for the exploitation of new technologies and has also advised in relation to international patent pooling arrangements.

He works across many sectors but has particular experience in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medtech, electronics, software, telecoms, petrochemical, cleantech and other industrial sectors. Matthew's experience in negotiating commercial contracts for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medtech clients includes technology licensing agreements, R&D collaboration agreements, drug development and licensing agreements, clinical trial agreements and option agreements for licences. He also advises pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients on the commercial and intellectual property law aspects of manufacturing, distribution, co-promotion and marketing agreements.

The negotiation of agreements to resolve disputes involving intellectual property rights forms a significant part of Matthew’s practice. This has included global settlements to end litigation across multiple jurisdictions involving complex intellectual property, licensing and financial arrangements.

He advises on the intellectual property aspects of setting up joint ventures and other collaborations including in relation to the ownership and licensing of intellectual property and improvements. Matthew has particular experience advising on intellectual property issues relating to technical standards including FRAND terms for licensing standard essential patents.

Matthew was involved in setting up the IP Transactions Course at the UCL Faculty of Laws, University College London and lectures on the course.

Qualified 1991Partner at Bristows LLP since 1998

Imperial College, London University (Bsc Physics); Bristol University (Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice)