The agrochemical industry is highly competitive and obtaining robust patent protection for agrochemical products is critically important.

HGF has one of the largest and most experienced chemistry patent attorney teams in Europe. Our multidisciplinary team of patent attorneys and solicitors supports clients through all stages of the development and lifespan of an agrochemical product. In terms of technical expertise, the team specialises in IP relating to agrochemical compounds (pesticides including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and nematicides), particular forms of agrochemical compounds (salt, solvates and polymorphs), agrochemical formulations (including pesticide formulations and nutrient formulations), processes for making agrochemical products, particular uses for agrochemical products, application regimens and agrochemical combination products.

We also specialise in providing IP strategy advice, invention capture, drafting and filing patent applications, patent prosecution, infringement analysis, EPO oppositions/appeals, IP commercialisation and  multi-jurisdictional patent litigation. We also have specialist experience of supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), regulatory data exclusivity and IP due diligence.

A large part of the agrochemical practice involves contentious proceedings in the courts and at the EPO. A number of our experienced patent attorneys specialise in opposition and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office. We are regularly involved with complex and high-value multi-party oppositions.

We are well positioned to advise our clients in relation to all aspects of agrochemical IP and we have developed a reputation for the provision of high quality, pragmatic and commercially-focussed advice.