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

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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The Strawberry Patent Battle: Seeds, Speculation, and Jurisdiction

  This case, relating to infringement of a US plant patent, deals with the evidentiary burden required to show infringement of a plant patent in the US, as well as …

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PRESS RELEASE: HGF Announces Promotion of Nine New Partners Following CBPE Investment

HGF is proud to announce the promotion of nine new partners across the firm, marking a significant milestone following private investment from CBPE in October 2024. These promotions follow the …

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HGF named as Intellectual Property Firm of the Year (Leeds) at the Legal Insider Awards

We are proud to announce that HGF has been recognised as the Intellectual Property Firm of the Year – Leeds 2025 – by the Legal Insider! This acknowledgment is a …

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Event - 3rd June 2025

Salzburg Seminar: Patents, trademarks, intellectual property rights – how startups can act strategically

Young companies make many important decisions during the start-up phase. One of the most important questions is: How do I deal strategically with innovations, ideas, and brand development? Those who …

Event details

IP Ingredients: Why are food tech patent applications in Europe falling?

Number of European patent applications and grants in Food Chemistry In March 2025 the European Patent Office (EPO) published its Patent Index 2024 – an analysis of the number of …

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Re-defining Design Protection in the European Union – What it means for your business

On 1 May 2025, the first phase of the European Union’s long-anticipated design law reforms come into effect, with the second phase of changes being brought in on 1 July …

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