HGF celebrates strong results in IAM Patent 1000 rankings 2026

We are proud to announce that HGF has once again achieved outstanding recognition in the IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2026. With 23 of our attorneys ranked as leading individuals, and continued high placements across key European jurisdictions, this year’s results reaffirm our reputation as a leading firm in intellectual property.

Firm Rankings

Gold – Scotland

“Since launching its Scottish practice in 2007, HGF has grown into a leading force in the market, recognised for its technical depth and formidable presence before the EPO. With offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, the firm advises a broad client base – from multinational corporations and universities to fast-scaling SMEs – and a defining strength lies in its contentious capabilities at the EPO, where the team is frequently sought out by international clients for opposition and appeal work. This advocacy strength is matched by a distinctly commercial mindset, with practitioners focused on delivering strategic, business-driven advice rather than purely technical solutions.”

Silver – EPO

Silver – England and Wales

“HGF has built a strong reputation for its prosecution and EPO opposition and appeal expertise and ability to support clients on the development and defence of commercially important patent portfolios. With a broad technical bench spanning life sciences, chemistry and engineering, the team is effective at guiding innovations from early-stage filing through to contentious proceedings.”

Silver – Ireland

“A prominent name in the European IP arena, HGF operates across a network of offices stretching from Ireland to continental Europe, offering clients coordinated, cross-border patent support. Its Irish practice forms part of this wider platform, giving innovators access to extensive technical resources while retaining a strong local presence. The team advises across the full spectrum of IP strategy: from early-stage protection through to commercial rollout and, where necessary, robust enforcement. Particularly active in life sciences, chemistry, medical technologies, and electronics, the group works closely with colleagues across the firm to provide joined-up advice in highly regulated and fast-moving sectors.”

Bronze – Netherlands

“HGF stands among Europe’s largest dedicated IP firms, carving out a strong position advising technology-driven businesses on the protection and commercialisation of high-value innovation. With a steadily expanding footprint and a client base rooted in science-led industries, the firm is a regular partner to companies operating at the cutting edge, supporting them with robust IP strategies through key growth phases, including development and investment cycles.”

Bronze – Austria

“Its Austrian patent team operates as an integrated part of this wider platform, drawing on cross-border technical and legal expertise to deliver coordinated protection and enforcement strategies. The practice is particularly active in technology and engineering, healthcare, and chemistry, and is frequently engaged to shape IP frameworks capable of withstanding detailed investor scrutiny. Core capabilities include portfolio architecture, oppositions and appeals, patent term extensions and SPC strategy, FRAND-related matters, transactional support and representation before the Unified Patent Court.”

Recommended Individuals

Achim Krebs (Netherlands)

Andrew McGettrick (Scotland)

Andrew Wells (England & Wales)

Bernhard Ganahl (Austria)

Chris Benson (England & Wales)

Christopher Mellor (England & Wales)

Chris Moore (England & Wales)

Craig Thomson (Ireland)

David Akerman (England & Wales)

Douglas Drysdale (Scotland)

Hsu Min Chung (England & Wales)

Jennifer Uno (England & Wales)

Jerry Bretherton (Scotland)

Jessica Kroeze (Netherlands)

Kate Taylor (England & Wales)

Kerry Rees (England & Wales)

Kieran Killough (England & Wales)

Laurent Barbe (France)

Rachel Fetches (England & Wales)

Sarah McCrann (Ireland)

Scott Fletcher (England & Wales)

Stefanie Glassford (Scotland)

Susan Keston (Scotland)

About IAM 1000

IAM Patent 1000 is a unique guide that identifies the top patent professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. It shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this pivotal area of practice. Now in its twelfth year, the guide is the definitive resource for those seeking to identify world-class individual and firm-wide private practice patent expertise.

Read the full rankings below.