< Back to latest news & events

News

IAM Patent 1000 2023

June 2023

IAM Patent 1000 the world’s leading patent professionals 2023 guide has now been published and we are delighted to have 31 attorneys recognised as world-class individuals in the guide. The firm is also proud to be highly ranked across Scotland, England (Prosecution & Litigation), Ireland, European Patent Office and The Netherlands.

Firm rankings

Scotland – Gold

“Any list of Scotland’s leading patent prosecution practices would be incomplete without the inclusion of HGF Ltd. Across its offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, the firm boasts 30 attorneys involved in its patent practice. Led by the skilled and experienced Gary Wilson, whom patrons “cannot recommend highly enough”, the set offers a deep bench of technical expertise and legal competence…..”

UK England & Wales – Prosecution – Silver

“We have been working with HGF for more than six years and we are delighted with the level of service they provide. We file a lot of patents in cutting-edge technology sectors every year and HGF always have the skills and expertise to match, from foundry processes to cancer therapies. In particular, we would praise them for their attention to detail and inventive suggestions, their respectful and amicable approach, especially the time and effort they take to explain and clarify everything down to the smallest details, and their fast turn-around times….”

Ireland – Silver

“Committed to helping clients meet their long-term commercial goals, HGF is one of the largest specialist IP outfits in Europe. Boasting both legal and technical expertise, the team have earned an excellent reputation for helping patrons develop their IP assets. “HGF is filled to the brim with specialists in a variety of fields. The firm provides a very comprehensive service and can manage a wide range of patent issues, from first application through to protection…..”

UK England & Wales – Litigation – Bronze

“Though best known as a quality choice for patent prosecution, the firm also boasts a raft of expert solicitors for contentious work and to navigate complex IP transactions. The solicitor team includes firm CEO Martyn Fish, an accomplished IP litigator across a range of technical sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and electronics, as well as Rachel Fetches, the head of law, whose background in cellular biotechnology gives her a real leg-up in life sciences-related disputes….”

Netherlands – Bronze

“The team in The Hague has seen considerable growth since it was established eight years ago, and most recently saw the arrival of Jessica Kroeze and Lewis Birchenough in 2021. Patent director Kroeze marries her PhD in chemical physics with her industry experience, to provide patrons in the chemical, oil and gas, and agrochemical space with counsel that both understands the science as well as the business implications….”

European Patent Office – Silver

To read the full reviews and find out more click here.

Individual rankings

HGF is delighted to have 31 European attorneys recommended within the latest IAM Patent 1000 guide from our offices in England, Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany and Austria.

Achim Krebs – Netherlands

Andrew McGettrick – Scotland

Dr Andrew Wells – England

Bernhard Ganal – Austria

Dr Chris Benson – England

Dr Chris Moore – European Patent Office

Dr Claire Irvine – England

Craig Thomson – Scotland

Douglas Drysdale – Scotland

Dr Gary Wilson – Scotland

Harry Hutchinson – England

Hsu Min Chung – England

Dr Jamie Thomson – Scotland

Janet Knowles – England

Dr Jenny Uno – European Patent Office

Dr Jeremy Bretherton – Scotland

Dr Jessica Kroeze – Netherlands

Kate Taylor – England

Kerry Rees – England

Kieran Killough – England

Lewis Birchenough – Netherlands

Lucy Johnson – England

Marie Walsh – Ireland

Martyn Fish – England

Matt Cassie – England

Rachel Fetches – England

Sarah McCrann – Ireland

Dr Susan Keston  – Scotland

Vanessa Stainthorpe – England

 

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 eleventh year, the guide is the definitive resource for those seeking to identify world-class individual and firm-wide private practice patent expertise.

Latest updates

HGF Ranked #1 in the UK for Trade Mark Portfolios in the 2025 Trade Mark Filing Trends Report by Clarivate.

HGF has achieved the #1 ranking for the UK for trade mark portfolios in the newly released 2025 Trade mark Filing Trends report by Clarivate, recognising the firm as a …

Read article

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 …

Read article

IP Ingredients: Summer Case Law Review 2025

As the British summer swings once again between sunburn and showers, it’s a great time to take stock of what the first half of the year has delivered by way …

Read article

Celebrating exam success at HGF!

We are once again delighted to share that our colleagues have achieved success in their recent exams! Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to professional development have paid off, and we …

Read article

Is the Supreme Court denial in Thatcher’s case a fatal blow against lookalikes?

The dispute between Thatcher’s Cider Company and Aldi Stores Limited has been long running and has sparked legal controversy along the way. On 4th June 2025 the Supreme denied Aldi …

Read article

HGF ranked among Europe’s top patent firms in IP STARS Patent Rankings 2025

HGF has once again made a bold mark in the latest Managing IP Stars 2025 firm rankings, with top-tier recognition across multiple jurisdictions for our patent expertise. This year’s results …

Read article

The Enlarged Board of Appeal has today issued its decision in seminal case G1/24

G1/24, described as one of the most important cases in decades, relates to how claims of patents are to be interpreted by the Boards of Appeal and, by extension, all …

Read article