Packaging is an exciting field rich in innovation, with progressive, daring and imaginative inventions enhancing the product within, yet harnessing its value can be challenging.

Packaging is at the centre of environmental challenges with companies in all sectors striving to develop effective, sustainable solutions, creating innovation that spans a broad range of trade and consumer markets. What’s more, packaging for certain sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, is highly regulated across all jurisdictions, with factors such as safety, efficacy, shelf-life, distribution and sustainability driving research and development.

Whatever the backdrop, it’s essential for any business to identify and protect every valuable aspect of their packaging with a strong, commercially-focused IP strategy. For brand owners, this can be anything from appearance to function, security and authenticity, but every company in the packaging supply chain can protect their innovation through patents, trade marks and design registrations and commercialisation agreements.