Sector group

Chemistry

Acquiring robust patent protection for chemical and pharmaceutical products and technologies, and possessing a good appreciation of any freedom-to-operate risks, is critically important to these industries.

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HGF has one of the largest and most experienced teams of chemistry and pharmaceutical patent attorneys in Europe.  We have over 45 patent professionals located in the UK, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands and Switzerland, and collectively we have a diverse blend of high-standard degrees and doctorates in specialist areas.  Many of our attorneys also have extensive in-house experience acquired working for large multi-national companies.

We act for a global client base and cover the full spectrum of chemical technologies, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, foodtech, cosmetics, household products, materials/metallurgy, energy.

We have established an enviable reputation in the chemistry and pharmaceutical field and continue to grow our client base, predominately by recommendation.  Working closely with our clients, we devise the optimal IP strategy to achieve the best commercial outcome.  We have extensive experience in the drafting, prosecution and management of world-wide patent portfolios, as well as conducting freedom-to-operate assessments, handling IP due diligence evaluations and oppositions and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office.  We also have a specialist supplementary protection certificates team for pharmaceutical and agrochemical products. In addition, our chemistry and pharmaceutical attorneys work closely with our IP lawyers in relation to life cycle agreements such as R&D collaborations, companion diagnostics, IP licensing, clinical trials through to commercial manufacturing and supply, and litigation.

Latest updates

Case Law for Non-Reproducible Products as Prior Art

Does a non-reproducible commercially available product form part of the state of the art for a European patent application? This question was answered as “yes” in G 1/23 by the …

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Fuelling IP: The “Charge” of the Century: How Battery Innovation Became the New Tech Race

As the world is reminded of the 1960s “space race” with the launch of Artemis II for humanity’s historic transit around the moon, it feels fitting that the European Patent …

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PRESS RELEASE - Garreth Duncan joins HGF as a Partner in the London office

HGF is pleased to announce the appointment of Garreth Duncan who will be joining the firm as a Partner on 1st April 2026. Garreth joins our Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Group …

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Fuelling IP: UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel – Direction of Travel

Last month, the UK government released their third provisional report on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use covering all of 2025. It is clear that momentum for SAF is building – …

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IP Ingredients: The IP in Personalized nutrItion

Personalised nutrition is the provision of dietary advice which is tailored to a person based on their individual characteristics and lifestyle.  As analytical techniques become faster and cheaper, and AI …

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The Patentability of Deuterated Pharmaceuticals: Insights from the EPO

Deuteration has emerged as a valuable strategy for tailoring the properties of pharmaceutical compounds.  With its expanding role in drug development, it is important to consider how the European Patent …

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IP Ingredients: Winter Case Law Review 2025

A seasonal tasting of recent IP decisions across the UK and EU.  Including notes on what brand owners, creatives, R&D teams and food and drink businesses should take away. Patents …

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Selection Inventions Sub Ranges

Overview: A sub-range falling within a previously disclosed broader range can form the basis for patentable claims in Europe, in accordance with the EPO’s assessment of selection inventions. This video …

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