Retail

The acceleration of online retail, the rise in demand for ethically sourced goods, technological advances such as AI and the increasing power of e-markets, are all driving change.

As the industry continues to experience issues with parallel imports, counterfeits, cybersquatting, advertising, social media, brand development and design disputes, intellectual property remains central to the strategy of every retailer.

HGF’s team of retail specialists, based across Europe, provides the full spectrum of IP support, ranging from brand protection on e-markets through to the technical aspects of patenting AI, advertising and promotions advice, design, and trade mark portfolio management, data protection advice and commercialisation.

Retail POS
Two ladies shopping online

Our retail specialists

We’ve built our business by recruiting and developing specialists, not generalists. When it comes to protecting your ideas and business, you want to know you’re working with the best – people who truly understand your sector and the potential of your IP.

HGF’s team has retail professionals from an array of academic and business backgrounds. Our team-based approach ensures our clients benefit from the very best strategic advice from people who understand not only the legal environment but also the practical side of your business.

Let's talk

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

Latest news

PRESS RELEASE – HGF strengthens European presence with three new Partners in France and Germany

HGF is pleased to announce the arrival of three new partners, further strengthening its European presence. Two partners will be joining the firm’s fast-growing French practice, and one will join …

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G1/23: The Enlarged Board of Appeal shift EPO practice towards an “on-sale” bar.

Last week, the EPO’s Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBA) issued its Decision that both a product put on the market before the date of filing of a European patent application, …

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The EPO Board of Appeal comments on the scope of the morality exclusion from patentability

The recent decision, T1553/22 of the Board of Appeal required the Board to consider the scope of the exclusions from patentability under Article 53(a) EPC. The invention in this case …

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Event - 4th November 2025

HGF are Silver Sponsors of LSPN Europe 2025

HGF is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of LSPN Europe 2025, a leading forum dedicated to helping life sciences innovators protect and leverage their intellectual property across the entire …

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Event - 30th - 31st October 2025

RAPS European Digital Technologies and Software conference

HGF is proud to be attending the RAPS European Digital Technologies and Software conference in The Netherlands on 30th-31st October. HGF Partner and Patent Attorney Janine Swarbrick and Patent Director …

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Protect It Before You Promote It: IP Advice for MedTech Innovators

Developed a new medical product? Check. Got tickets to an exciting MedTech conference to show off your new product? Check. Intellectual property? Pardon? In the excitement of bringing a new …

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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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