Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is at the cutting edge of modern life sciences, driving innovation across diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalised medicine. By harnessing biological data and applying computational tools, researchers are uncovering new insights into disease, developing in silico drug discovery platforms, and predicting patient outcomes with unprecedented precision.

Protecting these innovations requires a sophisticated intellectual property strategy that understands both biological complexity and software-driven processes. HGF has a long-standing reputation for IP excellence in life sciences and data-centric technologies, making us ideally placed to support bioinformatics innovators.

Our expertise includes:

  • AI and machine learning models trained on biological data
  • Genomic analysis and personalised medicine platforms
  • Computational biology tools and software pipelines
  • Data integration, visualisation, and analytics systems
  • Expert guidance on patentability of algorithms, databases and diagnostic methods under European patent law
  • Coordinating parallel patent strategies across EP, national and international filing routes

From spinouts leveraging university research to global pharmaceutical companies developing next-generation therapies, we work with a broad range of clients to protect core technologies and support commercial success.

We understand the particular challenges of patenting bioinformatics inventions, from hybrid software/biotech technologies to patentability requirements in software and AI innovations. Our attorneys provide commercially focused IP strategies that align with your R&D roadmap, regulatory environment, and funding goals.

Our integrated approach draws on a wealth of technical and legal knowledge across disciplines, combining life sciences, software, and medical regulation expertise. We offer a full suite of IP protection tools, including patents, trade secrets, copyright, and database rights.

At HGF, we don’t just file patents, we help shape your competitive advantage in a fast-evolving market. Partner with us for IP strategies that secure your position at the forefront of bioinformatics innovation.

Latest updates

Are Functional Foods ‘Therapeutic’? Insights from the EPO’s Latest Ruling

Abstract: EPO decision T 1396/23 confirms that functional foods can support medical‑use claims when their therapeutic effects are credible, data‑backed, and tied to recognised clinical outcomes. This provides some comfort to …

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Strategic Deployment of Third Party Observations

This episode outlines the strategic use of European Patent Office (EPO) pre-grant Third Party Observations (TPOs) It explains how TPOs can be used to influence the outcome of competitor patent …

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Agritech Thymes: Rare UK Plant Variety Rights ruling provides guidance on the interpretation of “essentially derived varieties”

In this article, we examine a recent UK Plant Variety Right (PVR) case involving “Nadorcott” and “Tang Gold” mandarins. This judgement clarifies what constitutes an essentially derived variety (EDV) and …

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Agritech Thymes: Unlocking the Soil Microbiome: Driving Agritech Innovation in the UK

The UK offers an ideal platform for harnessing the untapped potential of soil and plant microorganisms. Although much of my professional experience has focused on the human microbiome, I have …

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Third party observations

Overview: Third Party Observations (TPOs) are a mechanism by which third parties can submit written observations in proceedings before the EPO. TPOs are often filed with the aim of persuading …

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EU Agrees on NGT Plant Regulation: What It Means for Patents and Licensing

The European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement for plants developed using New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) – below we summarise the main points and set out the requirements …

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Agritech Thymes: The Bite of Implied Consent: Lessons from the Pink Lady Case

Can the supply of a plant variety without clear and defined restrictions on its use be an implicit consent to commercialise it? This case centres on the evidence required to …

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The Bite of Implied Consent: Lessons from the Pink Lady Case

A recent European Union court decision considers the issue of implied consent to commercialise a plant variety, and whether the evidence meets the threshold of “serious doubts” of the validity …

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Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our bioinformatics specialists.