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 - 11th November 2025

OIS Investor Forum - Jeffries

HGF is proud to be sponsoring the OIS Investor Forum on 18th November. One of the premier gatherings for leaders, innovators, and investors across the healthcare industry. The forum covers …

Event details

From Stripes to Supermarkets: The Court of Appeal Reaffirms the Need for Precision in Trade Mark Law

On 23 October 2025, Lord Justice Arnold delivered two landmark Court of Appeal decisions addressing trade mark registrability: Thom Browne Inc & Anor v adidas AG [2025] EWCA Civ 1340 …

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Protecting Digital Health innovation in the AI revolution

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform healthcare, from diagnostic imaging and drug discovery to wearable devices and clinical decision support, questions around how to protect these advancements have become …

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Doubling Up on Added Matter at the UPC

Following the UPC Court of Appeal (CoA) decision in Abbott v Sibio (APL_39664/2024, 14 February 2025) we now have a second CoA decision on added matter in expert Klein v …

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