Food & drink

Fast moving, the Food and Drink industry has to be abundant in creativity and innovation.

Throughout the Food and Drink supply chain, businesses are tackling head-on problems created by global population growth and the increasing need for food sustainability, accessibility and security. Addressing issues such as the demand for more environmentally acceptable packaging, food sourcing, processing and preservation and animal welfare combined with ever-changing consumer trends for food and drink, the sector is creating new opportunities for established businesses and new entrants alike.

IP is at the core of food and drink innovation and development.  HGF’s expertise in technologies including cell-based meat, other alternative proteins and dairy, agrotechnology, nutraceuticals, smart packaging and food and drink production and processing combined with market-leading brand and design expertise, complete the recipe for effective client support in the creation, capture and commercialisation of valuable IP and technology.

HGF’s food and drink specialists combine their technical knowledge and practical sector experience to work with clients to develop effective IP strategies to maximise investment return whether start-ups seeking first round and later stage funding, new brand launches or collaborations between conglomerates looking to partner with and upscale niche technology developers.

Cans of pop
Workers on a factory line

Our food & drink 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 food & drink professionals from an array of academic 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 and theoretical side of their business.

Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our food & drink 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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