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'''Bristows''' is a London based law firm. While Bristows is a full service commercial law firm, it is particularly known for its technology and intellectual property work<ref>http://www.legal500.com/firms/467/offices/76 and Chambers and Partners Directory: http://www.chambersandpartners.com/UK/Firms/49-34245</ref>. It specialises in the following areas:
'''Bristows''' is a full-service commercial, [[London]]-based, [[law firm]], particularly known for its technology and [[intellectual property]] work.<ref>[http://www.legal500.com/firms/467/offices/76 Legal 500] and [http://www.chambersandpartners.com/UK/Firms/49-34245 Chambers and Partners]</ref>


⚫
In January 2008, the firm relocated from [[Lincoln's Inn Fields]] to new City offices on the first two floors of 100 [[Victoria Embankment]], London (also known as [[Unilever House]]).
⚫
IP & patent litigation

==Areas of work==
Bristows specialises in the following areas:

⚫
[[IP]] & [[patent litigation]]
• IP & commercial transactions
• IP & commercial transactions
• Brand & design protection
• Brand & design protection
• IT & outsourcing
• [[IT]] & [[outsourcing]]
• Publishing & media
• [[Publishing]] & [[media]]
• Privacy & data protection
• Privacy & [[data protection]]
• Regulatory
• Regulatory
• EU & competition
• [[EU]] & competition
• Advertising, marketing & promotion
• [[Advertising]], [[marketing]] & promotion
• Corporate
• [[Corporate]]
• Commercial Disputes
• Commercial Disputes
• Employment
• [[Employment]]
• Real estate
• [[Real estate]]
• Real estate investment and funds
• Real estate investment and [[funds]]
• Product liability
• [[Product liability]]
• Tax
• [[Tax]]
• Public Procurement
• [[Public Procurement]]


==History==
Bristows was founded in [[1837]] by Robert Wilson at 1, Copthall Buildings in the [[City of London]].<ref> Robert Wilson’s name first appears in the Law Society Law List for the year 1837 and gives his address as 1 Copthall Buildings</ref> One of Robert's first pieces of work related to the patenting of the first practical electrical telegraph, then particularly in demand for its application to railways. Wilson also advised a Captain Crauford in relation to his [[patent]] “for preserving from rust” and the electronic engineer [[Sir Charles Wheatstone]] on the wheatstone bridge circuit<ref> Referred to in the cost book for the firm for the period from 1837 to 1841</ref>.
Bristows was founded in [[1837]] by Robert Wilson at 1, Copthall Buildings in the [[City of London]].<ref>[http://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/TruePicture.aspx?EditorialId=11 ''Chambers Student Guide'']</ref><ref> Robert Wilson’s name first appears in the Law Society Law List for the year 1837 and gives his address as 1 Copthall Buildings</ref> One of Robert's first pieces of work related to the patenting of the first practical electrical telegraph, then particularly in demand for its application to railways. Wilson also advised a Captain Crauford in relation to his [[patent]] “for preserving from rust” and the electronic engineer [[Sir Charles Wheatstone]] on the wheatstone bridge circuit.<ref> Referred to in the cost book for the firm for the period from 1837 to 1841</ref>
⚫
In 1849 Ebenezer Bristows joined the firm. Ebenezer was a member of the Law Society Council from 1873 until 1908, and was President of the [[Law Society of England and Wales]] for the year 1883 to 1884<ref> The obituary of Ebenezer J Bristows appeared in the Law Society’s Gazette December 1908.</ref> . It was during this year that the first UK Patent Act arrived, which laid the basis for [[patent law]] and practice as it exists today.
⚫
During the 1800s the firm acted for the [[Royal Mail Steam Packet]], largely on litigation relating to accidents at sea. Other clients in the late 1800s include the Electric Telephone Company, Steam Plough Patents, the Bread Patents Company, the Celluloid Manufacturing Company and the Tigris & Euphrates Steam Navigation Company.<ref> A History of the Firm” by G B Cooke. George Cooke (son of Henry Cooke) was a partner of the firm. He joined the firm in 1929 and retired in 1979.</ref>


[[Image:Unilever House 1.jpg|thumb|alt=Unilever House| [[Unilever House]]]]


⚫
In 1849 Ebenezer Bristows joined the firm. Ebenezer was a member of the Law Society Council from 1873 until 1908, and President of the [[Law Society of England and Wales]] for the year 1883 to 1884<ref>The obituary of Ebenezer J Bristows appeared in the Law Society’s Gazette December 1908.</ref>. It was during this year that the first UK Patent Act arrived, which laid the basis for [[patent law]] and practice as it exists today.
⚫
==Early 1900s==
⚫
The firm's name was changed to Bristows, Cooke and Carpmael in 1906, reflecting the names of the then partners.
⚫
Henry Cooke was heavily involved in patenting work, and was a member of the committee whose advice led to the Patents Act 1919. Alfred Carpmael, was a prominent [[patent agent]] of his time, and the author of the first handbook on 'Patent Laws of the World <ref> http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/779282</ref>.
⚫
Around the time of [[World War 1]], the firm acts in complex patent litigation about electric light bulbs. It related to an invention by the [[General Electric Company]] of the USA that involved using [[filament]] from [[tungsten]] <ref>'''British Thomson-Houston Company v Duram'''HL 35 RPC 46, 161</ref>.


⚫
During the 1800s the firm acted for the [[Royal Mail Steam Packet]], largely on litigation relating to accidents at sea. Other clients in the late 1800s include the Electric Telephone Company, Steam Plough Patents, the Bread Patents Company, the Celluloid Manufacturing Company and the Tigris & Euphrates Steam Navigation Company.<ref>''A History of the Firm'' by G B Cooke. George Cooke (son of Henry Cooke) was a partner of the firm. He joined the firm in 1929 and retired in 1979.</ref>
==1930s==
⚫
The firm is involved in drafting agreements for the laying of the first [[transatlantic telephone cable]]. <ref> A History of the Firm” by G B Cooke. George Cooke (son of Henry Cooke) was a partner of the firm. He joined the firm in 1929 and retired in 1979.</ref>
==1940s==
⚫
The firm starts to act for [[The Royal Society]]. By that time, other clients in the field of learned societies and institutions include the [[Royal Society of the Arts]], [[Institution of Chemical Engineers]], [[Institution of Civil Engineers]], [[Institution of Electrical Engineers]] and [[Institution of Mechanical Engineers]] <ref> A History of the Firm” by G B Cooke. George Cooke (son of Henry Cooke) was a partner of the firm. He joined the firm in 1929 and retired in 1979</ref>.


==1950s==
===Early 1900s===
⚫
The firm's name was changed to Bristows, Cooke and Carpmael in 1906, reflecting the names of the then partners.
⚫
To avoid a notoriously unpredictable English judge, the firm takes the unusual move of bringing a patent case in [[Scotland]], despite the lack of experience of patent litigation there. The move, for a textile machinery manufacturer, is successful<ref> Outer House (Court of First Instance), and an Appeal to the Inner House by the Defendant’s was dismissed (see 69 RPC 2612 and 70 RPC 69)</ref> . It is closely followed by another similar case on behalf of the Jockey Company of Chicago over its invention, [[Y-fronts]], which were being manufactured under licence in Scotland.

==1960s==
⚫
Bristows is involved in a patent case on the [[jet engine]], '''Renee Anxionnaz and Societe Rateau v Rolls Royce, De Havillands''' and the '''Ministry of Aviation'''<ref>[1967] RPC 419</ref>. [[Sir Frank Whittle]], the inventor of the [[jet engine]], was the expert for Bristows and the trial lasted about five weeks. The case for [[Rolls-Royce Limited|Rolls Royce]] was won.
==1970s==
⚫
The continuing expansion of the firm, and the landlords' decision to redevelop 1 Copthall Buildings, leads to a move to [[Lincoln's Inn Fields]].

==1980s==
While developing its practices in competition law, corporate law and in other areas, the firm continues to act in a number of significant patent cases. These include cases relating to [[transistors]]<ref>'''Sevcon Ltd v Lucas CAV Ltd'''[1986] 1 WLR 462 HL</ref> , semi-synthetic [[penicillin]]<ref>'''Beecham Group PLC v Gist-Brocades NV'''[1986] 1 WLR 51 HL</ref> , and [[herbicides]]<ref>'''Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Ltd v Dow Chemical Co'''[1987] FSR 137 CA</ref>.

==1990s==
A number of leading cases on [[biotechnology]] are handled by the firm<ref> Including, '''Monsanto Co v Merck & Co Inc (No 1)''' [2000] RPC 77 CA, '''NAPP Pharmaceutical Group Ltd v Asta Medica Ltd''' [1999] FSR 370 CA, '''Chiron Corp v Evans Medical Ltd (No 2)''' Chancery Division [1997] FSR 268 CA, '''Chiron Corp v Organon Teknika (No 3)''' [1996] RPC 535, '''Chiron Corp v Organon Teknika Ltd (No 11)''' [1995] FSR 589 CA, '''Chiron Corp v Organon Teknika (No 14)''' [1996] FSR 701 CA</ref> , as are many other intellectual property cases . One of the largest ever confidential information cases concerning the [[float glass process]] is taken through [[arbitration]]<ref> Pilkington v PPG float glass arbitrations</ref> . In 1998 the firm shortens its name from Bristows Cooke & Carpmael to Bristows.

⚫
==2000s==
The firm continues to act in high profile patent cases<ref>'''American Home Products Corp v Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd''' [2001] RPC 8, '''Pharmacia Corp v Merck & Co Inc''' [2001] EWCA Civ 1610 CA, '''H Lundbeck A/S v Lagap Pharmaceuticals''' [2003] 26(4) I.P.D. 26027, '''Rockwater Ltd v Coflexip SA''' [2003] EWHC 812, '''Unilin Beheer BV v Berry Floor NV''' [2004] FSR 14, '''Ferag AG v Muller Martini Limited''' [2007] EWCA Civ 15, '''Novartis AG v Dexcel-Pharma Ltd''' [2009] EWHC 336, '''Wake Forest University Health Sciences v Smith & Nephew Plc''' [2009] EWCA Civ 848</ref> .

⚫
In 2002 the firm acts for [[Halliburton]] / Rockwater in proceedings instituted by Rockwater Limited, a member of the Halliburton Group, for the revocation of a Coflexip patent relating to undersea cables. In this case the High Court ordered the revocation of the patent. This is thought to be the first time the UK courts have revoked a patent which they had previously declared valid in an action against a different party<ref>'''Rockwater Ltd v Coflexip SA''' [2003] EWHC 812;</ref>. The firm won the Media/ IP & IT Team 2003 at the 2003 Lawyer Awards in recognition of the work carried out for Halliburton / Rockwater.

In 2008 the firm has acted in the first modern case addressing the principles involved in calculating the compensation payable under a cross-undertaking where the patentee had obtained an interim injunction but subsequently lost at trial<ref>[2008] EWCA Civ 445</ref>. In 2009 the firm acts for the defendants in the first UK case where compensation has been awarded to an employee inventor<ref>'''Kelly v GE Healthcare Ltd''' [2009] EWHC 457 (Pat)</ref> . In February 2009 the firm acted for [[Servier]] in successfully making a claim that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ([[NICE]]) had unlawfully failed to provide the economic model underlying its guidance for the primary and secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women<ref>'''The Queen (on the application of Servier Laboratories Ltd) v The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [2009] EWHC 281 (Admin)</ref>. In March 2010 [[Servier]] was successful on a second point when the Court of Appeal handed down a decision against [[NICE]] <ref>'''Servier Laboratories Limited v National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence''' [2010] EWCA Civ 346</ref>. In this case the [[Court of Appeal]] concluded that [[NICE]]'s guidance was unlawful insofar as it concerns the assessment of the results of scientific data for [[strontium ranelate]], a treatment for [[osteoporosis]] developed by [[Servier]] and sold under the brand name [[Protelos]]. The decision is important for patients and the pharmaceutical industry as it shows that [[NICE]] cannot reach a different view from a regulatory athority of similar standing without proper justification.

The firm also acted for [[Smith & Nephew]] in a patent action before the UK Court of Appeal. In an unprecedented move, the trial of the action, which started in December 2008, took only seven months from commencement to Judgment by the Court of Appeal<ref>'''Wake Forest University Health Sciences v Smith & Nephew Plc''' [2009] EWCA Civ 848</ref>.

⚫
The firm also acts in many other major intellectual property cases <ref> '''AKT Obchtechestvo Zakritogo Tipa Torgovy Dom Potomkov Postavechtchika Dvora Ego Imperatorskago Velitschestva pa Smirnova v UDV North America Inc''' [2006] RPC 16, '''Kabushi Kaisha Sony Computer Entertainment Inc v Owen (t/a Neo Technologies)''' [2002] EWHC 45 (Ch)</ref>. In 2002 Bristows represented [[Sony Computer Entertainment Europe]] (SCEE) in an action brought against “chipping” of [[PlayStation]] games consoles and won <ref> '''Kabushi Kaisha Sony Computer Entertainment Inc v Owen (t/a Neo Technologies)''' [2002] EWHC 45 (Ch)</ref>. Also in 2002 the firm, following a six year case against the [[Metropolitan Police]], secured the image rights to Dr Who's Tardis for the [[BBC]]<ref> In the matter of application no. 2104259 by the BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION to Register a series of three marks in Classes 9, 16, 25 and 41 AND In the matter of Opposition Thereto under No 48452 by the Metropolitan Police Authority 14 August 2002.</ref>. . In 2007 Bristows acts for the members of the '80s band [[Frankie Goes to Hollywood]] who achieve victory in their dispute with former lead singer, [[Holly Johnson]], over the trade mark rights to the band's name<ref> Trade Mark Inter Partes Decision O/140/07 see: http://www.ipo.gov.uk/o14007.pdf</ref>. In 2008 Bristows advised the life sciences company, [[BTG plc]] in its licensing of the worldwide rights for its novel anticancer compound BGC 945 to Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc . <ref> http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/onyx-btg-ink-320m-licensing-deal/2008-11-07 and http://www.bristows.com/?pid=48&level=2&nid=102</ref>

The firm continues to develop its IT and data protection practice with the appointment of Mark Watts to head the group in 2003 after seven years in-house at [[IBM]]<ref> http://www.thelawyer.com/bristows-welcomes-back-partner-from-ibm/106721.article </ref>. In September 2008 the firm’s IT and data protection capability was further strengthened with the appointment of Christopher Millard, the former head of the global privacy practice at [[Linklaters]]<ref> http://www.thelawyer.com/linklaters-it-partner-joins-bristows/134354.article </ref>. In June 2009 Fiona Nicolson, the former head of Maclay, Murray and Spens IP/IT team, joined as a partner<ref> http://www.thelawyer.com/bristows-shows-ip%E2%80%99s-rude-health-with-revenue-up-by-a-fifth/1001355.article </ref>. This appointment was followed in September 2009 by the appointment as a partner of Toby Crick, previously a senior Associate at [[Bird & Bird]]<ref> http://www.thelawyer.com/bristows-returns-to-2birds-for-it-partner/1002704.article </ref>. In November 2009 Hazel Grant, a data protection and public sector IT specialist and former [[Bird & Bird]] partner, also joined Bristows<ref> http://www.thelawyer.com/bristows-returns-to-2birds-for-it-partner/1002704.article </ref>.


⚫
Henry Cooke was heavily involved in patenting work, and was a member of the committee whose advice led to the Patents Act 1919. Alfred Carpmael, was a prominent [[patent agent]] of his time, and the author of the first handbook on 'Patent Laws of the World.<ref>http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/779282</ref>
The firm continues to advise in corporate transactions. In 2003 the firm acts for [[Bayer AG]], on the £25 million financing aspects of its exclusive marketing agreement with GW Pharmaceuticals plc relating to the marketing of GW's pioneering cannabis-based medicine, [[Sativex]].® <ref>http://www.thelawyer.com/1-september-2003/1343.issue and http://www.bristows.com/?pid=48&level=2&nid=55</ref>. In 2009 the firm advises Nomura Phase4 Ventures, leader of a syndicate of investors, on the spin-out of part of [[AstraZeneca]]'s gastro intestinal drugs research operation in [[Sweden]], resulting in the formation of new biotech company, Albireo<ref> http://www.legal500.com/firms/467/offices/76 and see http://www.bristows.com/?pid=48&level=2&nid=88</ref>. The corporate team was further strengthened in May 2009 by the appointment of R Kenneth Boehner (Ken) as a partner from US law firm [[Kilpatrick Stockton]]<ref> http://www.thelawyer.com/moves-roundup/1000992.article</ref>.


⚫
Around the time of [[World War I]], the firm acted in patent litigation regarding electric light bulbs. It related to an invention by the [[General Electric Company]] of the USA that involved using [[filament]] from [[tungsten]].<ref>''British Thomson-Houston Company v Duram''HL 35 RPC 46, 161</ref>
In 2003 the firm acts for [[VIA Technologies]] in a hard-fought competition law battle between leading chip producer [[Intel]] and its smaller competitor, [[VIA Technologies]]. In this case the [[Court of Appeal]] decided that [[VIA Technologies]] can bring [[Intel]] to trial, and alleged that [[Intel]]'s behaviour is anti-competitive, that the way [[Intel]] uses its huge patent portfolio seriously harms smaller rivals, and that [[Intel]] is driving rivals out of business and harming consumers. <ref> Intel Corp. v VIA Technologies Inc [2002] EWCA Civ 1905</ref>


⚫
===Mid-1900s===
The firm continues to expand its commercial disputes practice with the appointment in March 2008 of three dispute resolution partners (Geoffry Gauci, James Irvine and Charles Pugh) from [[Howrey LLP]] <ref>http://www.thelawyer.com/bristows-brings-in-three-howrey-partners-for-litigation-push/131515.article</ref>. Bristows gained a successful civil judgement in the UK High Court for [[Chrysler]] in 2008 against 58 individuals involved in the Castor Holdings ponzi fraud scheme, which extended into several jurisdictions <ref>http://www.legal500.com/firms/467/offices/76</ref>. In February 2009 two Bristows partners (Geoffrey Gauci and Charles Pugh) advise the first meeting of the World Alliance of Law Firms representing claimants in the alleged US$50billion [[Madoff fraud]].<ref> http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article5753960.ece?print=yes&randnum=1151003209000 and Reported Law Society Gazette 28/02/2009</ref>
⚫
In the 1930s the firm was involved in drafting agreements for the laying of the first [[transatlantic telephone cable]].<ref>G B Cooke, ''A History of the Firm.'' George Cooke (son of Henry Cooke) was a partner of the firm. He joined Bristows in 1929 and retired in 1979.</ref>


⚫
Bristows began to act for [[The Royal Society]] in the 1940s. By that time, other clients in the field of learned societies and institutions include the [[Royal Society of the Arts]], [[Institution of Chemical Engineers]], [[Institution of Civil Engineers]], [[Institution of Electrical Engineers]] and [[Institution of Mechanical Engineers]].<ref>G B Cooke, ''A History of the Firm''</ref>
==Location==
⚫
In January 2008 the firm relocates from Lincoln's Inn Fields to new City offices on the first two floors of 100 Victoria Embankment (100VE), London (also known as [[Unilever House]]).[[Image:Unilever House 1.jpg|thumb|alt=Unilever House|]]


⚫
In the 1950s, to avoid a notoriously unpredictable English judge, the firm took the unusual move of bringing a patent case in [[Scotland]], despite the lack of experience of patent litigation there. The move, for a textile machinery manufacturer, was successful,<ref> Outer House (Court of First Instance) and an Appeal to the Inner House by the Defendant’s was dismissed (see 69 RPC 2612 and 70 RPC 69).</ref> It was closely followed by another similar case on behalf of the Jockey Company of Chicago over its invention, [[Y-fronts]], which were being manufactured under licence in Scotland.
==Awards==


===Late 20th century===
In November 2002 Sally Field, a partner at the firm, is presented with the [[INTA]] Volunteer Service Award for her leadership of the European Legislation Subcommittee and, in particular, her role in co-ordinating the team's report on trade mark bad faith issues relevant to the EU enlargement debate. The award was presented at the International Trademark Association (INTA) leadership meeting. <ref>Business Wire Article December 2002 see http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2002_Dec_2/ai_94761788/</ref>
⚫
In the 1960s Bristows was involved in a patent case on the [[jet engine]], ''Renee Anxionnaz and Societe Rateau v Rolls Royce, De Havillands'' and the ''Ministry of Aviation'',<ref>[1967] RPC 419</ref>. [[Sir Frank Whittle]] the inventor of the [[jet engine]], was the expert for Bristows and the trial lasted about five weeks.


⚫
The continuing expansion of the firm in the 1970s, and the landlords' decision to redevelop 1 Copthall Buildings, led to a move to [[Lincoln's Inn Fields]].
In June 2003 the firm wins the Media/ IP & IT Team 2003 at the 2003 Lawyer Awards<ref>The Lawyer Awards 2003 Supplement</ref> . The award was given in recognition of work carried out for Halliburton / Rockwater in relation to a case where the High Court ordered the revocation of a Coflexip patent relating to undersea cables (see above).


In 1998 the firm shortened its name from Bristows Cooke & Carpmael to Bristows.
In April 2008 an independent survey of workplace experience revealed that Bristows is one of the Best 100 Professional Services Firms to Work for in the UK. The survey published by the Managing Partners' Forum is based on the results issued by Best Companies. Bristows has also been identified as "one to watch" in the Best Companies 2008 guide of the Best Companies to work for in the UK. <ref>Best Companies 2008 Guide</ref>


⚫
===2000s===
In May 2008 the firm wins Law Firm Rebranding of the Year award at the Legal Marketing Awards<ref> http://www.legalmarketingawards.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=37</ref>.
⚫
In 2002 the firm acted for [[Halliburton]] / Rockwater in proceedings instituted by Rockwater Limited, a member of the Halliburton Group, for the revocation of a Coflexip patent relating to undersea cables. In this case the High Court ordered the revocation of the patent. This is thought to be the first time the UK courts have revoked a patent which they had previously declared valid in an action against a different party<ref>''Rockwater Ltd v Coflexip SA'' [2003] EWHC 812;</ref>.
In January 2009 the firm is rated as a "first class" company to work for. Best Companies (the research group responsible for compiling the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work for list) awarded Bristows a one-star accreditation following a survey of Bristows' staff on their workplace engagement <ref> http://www.bestcompanies.co.uk/Accreditation.aspx</ref>. Also in 2009 the firm is shortlisted for TMT Team of the year at The Lawyer Awards<ref>http://www.centaur2.co.uk/emags/thelawyer/awards2009/pageflip.html</ref> , and also shortlisted in the Best Recruitment Website category of [[The Lawyer]] magazine's HR Awards 2009<ref>The Lawyer Magazine HR Awards 2009 Supplement</ref>.


⚫
The same year, Bristows represented [[Sony Computer Entertainment Europe]] (SCEE) in an action brought against “chipping” of [[PlayStation]] games consoles,<ref> ''Kabushi Kaisha Sony Computer Entertainment Inc v Owen (t/a Neo Technologies)'' [2002] EWHC 45 (Ch)</ref> and, following a six-year case against the [[Metropolitan Police]], secured the image rights to [[Doctor Who]]'s [[TARDIS]] for the [[BBC]].<ref>In the matter of application no. 2104259 by the BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION to Register a series of three marks in Classes 9, 16, 25 and 41 AND In the matter of Opposition Thereto under No 48452 by the Metropolitan Police Authority 14 August 2002.</ref> In 2007 Bristows acted for the members of the '80s band [[Frankie Goes to Hollywood]] who achieved victory in their dispute with former lead singer, [[Holly Johnson]], over the trade mark rights to the band's name.<ref>[http://www.ipo.gov.uk/o14007.pdf Trade Mark Inter Partes Decision O/140/07]</ref>
Mark Watts was included in The Lawyer's hot 100 for 2010.<ref>http://www.centaur2.co.uk/emags/thelawyer/tl_hot100_2010/</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 10:27, 14 September 2010

Bristows
No. of offices1
No. of lawyers30 Partners, 63 Associates, 15 Trainees, 1 Trade Mark Assistant, and 7 Paralegals (as at 28 February 2010)
Major practice areasIP & patent litigation, IP & commercial transactions, Brand & design protection, IT & outsourcing, Publishing & media, Privacy & data protection, Regulatory, EU & competition, Advertising, marketing & promotion, Corporate, Commercial Disputes, Employment, Real estate, Real estate investment and funds, Product liability, Tax, Public Procurement
Date founded1837
Company typePartnership
Websitehttp://www.bristows.com

Bristows is a full-service commercial, London-based, law firm, particularly known for its technology and intellectual property work.[1]

In January 2008, the firm relocated from Lincoln's Inn Fields to new City offices on the first two floors of 100 Victoria Embankment, London (also known as Unilever House).

Areas of work

Bristows specialises in the following areas:

IP & patent litigation • IP & commercial transactions • Brand & design protection • IT & outsourcing • Publishing & media • Privacy & data protection • Regulatory • EU & competition • Advertising, marketing & promotion • Corporate • Commercial Disputes • Employment • Real estate • Real estate investment and funds • Product liability • Tax • Public Procurement

History

Bristows was founded in 1837 by Robert Wilson at 1, Copthall Buildings in the City of London.[2][3] One of Robert's first pieces of work related to the patenting of the first practical electrical telegraph, then particularly in demand for its application to railways. Wilson also advised a Captain Crauford in relation to his patent “for preserving from rust” and the electronic engineer Sir Charles Wheatstone on the wheatstone bridge circuit.[4]

Unilever House
Unilever House

In 1849 Ebenezer Bristows joined the firm. Ebenezer was a member of the Law Society Council from 1873 until 1908, and President of the Law Society of England and Wales for the year 1883 to 1884[5]. It was during this year that the first UK Patent Act arrived, which laid the basis for patent law and practice as it exists today.

During the 1800s the firm acted for the Royal Mail Steam Packet, largely on litigation relating to accidents at sea. Other clients in the late 1800s include the Electric Telephone Company, Steam Plough Patents, the Bread Patents Company, the Celluloid Manufacturing Company and the Tigris & Euphrates Steam Navigation Company.[6]

Early 1900s

The firm's name was changed to Bristows, Cooke and Carpmael in 1906, reflecting the names of the then partners.

Henry Cooke was heavily involved in patenting work, and was a member of the committee whose advice led to the Patents Act 1919. Alfred Carpmael, was a prominent patent agent of his time, and the author of the first handbook on 'Patent Laws of the World.[7]

Around the time of World War I, the firm acted in patent litigation regarding electric light bulbs. It related to an invention by the General Electric Company of the USA that involved using filament from tungsten.[8]

Mid-1900s

In the 1930s the firm was involved in drafting agreements for the laying of the first transatlantic telephone cable.[9]

Bristows began to act for The Royal Society in the 1940s. By that time, other clients in the field of learned societies and institutions include the Royal Society of the Arts, Institution of Chemical Engineers, Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Electrical Engineers and Institution of Mechanical Engineers.[10]

In the 1950s, to avoid a notoriously unpredictable English judge, the firm took the unusual move of bringing a patent case in Scotland, despite the lack of experience of patent litigation there. The move, for a textile machinery manufacturer, was successful,[11] It was closely followed by another similar case on behalf of the Jockey Company of Chicago over its invention, Y-fronts, which were being manufactured under licence in Scotland.

Late 20th century

In the 1960s Bristows was involved in a patent case on the jet engine, Renee Anxionnaz and Societe Rateau v Rolls Royce, De Havillands and the Ministry of Aviation,[12]. Sir Frank Whittle the inventor of the jet engine, was the expert for Bristows and the trial lasted about five weeks.

The continuing expansion of the firm in the 1970s, and the landlords' decision to redevelop 1 Copthall Buildings, led to a move to Lincoln's Inn Fields.

In 1998 the firm shortened its name from Bristows Cooke & Carpmael to Bristows.

2000s

In 2002 the firm acted for Halliburton / Rockwater in proceedings instituted by Rockwater Limited, a member of the Halliburton Group, for the revocation of a Coflexip patent relating to undersea cables. In this case the High Court ordered the revocation of the patent. This is thought to be the first time the UK courts have revoked a patent which they had previously declared valid in an action against a different party[13].

The same year, Bristows represented Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) in an action brought against “chipping” of PlayStation games consoles,[14] and, following a six-year case against the Metropolitan Police, secured the image rights to Doctor Who's TARDIS for the BBC.[15] In 2007 Bristows acted for the members of the '80s band Frankie Goes to Hollywood who achieved victory in their dispute with former lead singer, Holly Johnson, over the trade mark rights to the band's name.[16]

References

  1. ^ Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners
  2. ^ Chambers Student Guide
  3. ^ Robert Wilson’s name first appears in the Law Society Law List for the year 1837 and gives his address as 1 Copthall Buildings
  4. ^ Referred to in the cost book for the firm for the period from 1837 to 1841
  5. ^ The obituary of Ebenezer J Bristows appeared in the Law Society’s Gazette December 1908.
  6. ^ A History of the Firm by G B Cooke. George Cooke (son of Henry Cooke) was a partner of the firm. He joined the firm in 1929 and retired in 1979.
  7. ^ http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/779282
  8. ^ British Thomson-Houston Company v DuramHL 35 RPC 46, 161
  9. ^ G B Cooke, A History of the Firm. George Cooke (son of Henry Cooke) was a partner of the firm. He joined Bristows in 1929 and retired in 1979.
  10. ^ G B Cooke, A History of the Firm
  11. ^ Outer House (Court of First Instance) and an Appeal to the Inner House by the Defendant’s was dismissed (see 69 RPC 2612 and 70 RPC 69).
  12. ^ [1967] RPC 419
  13. ^ Rockwater Ltd v Coflexip SA [2003] EWHC 812;
  14. ^ Kabushi Kaisha Sony Computer Entertainment Inc v Owen (t/a Neo Technologies) [2002] EWHC 45 (Ch)
  15. ^ In the matter of application no. 2104259 by the BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION to Register a series of three marks in Classes 9, 16, 25 and 41 AND In the matter of Opposition Thereto under No 48452 by the Metropolitan Police Authority 14 August 2002.
  16. ^ Trade Mark Inter Partes Decision O/140/07
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