Business 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.

Image of technician working in a chemistry lab

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

Event - 7th - 10th October 2026

HGF Attending AIPPI World Congress 2026

HGF is attending the AIPPI World Congress 2026, taking place in Hamburg from 7-10 October 2026. Bringing together intellectual property professionals from around the world, the annual Congress is one …

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EPO v UPC: How the EPO’s and UPC’s approaches to validity give us food for thought when drafting and prosecuting patent applications destined for Europe (Part 1)

The Unified Patents Court (UPC) opened its doors on 1 June 2023 and is already having a significant impact on EPO practice. Less than a year after opening, the UPC …

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UPC CoA confirms jurisdiction over pending European patent application

Now patent holders may be locked into the UPC system even prior to grant.   The UPC has jurisdiction over European patents that have not been opted out. But what about …

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Patenting Performance: Protecting the Science Behind a Personal Best

The world of food supplements moves quickly. A product can trend on social media as soon as a top athlete is seen using it in training. However, it can still …

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HGF

UPC CoA confirms “gold standard” for added matter in Sibio v Abbott

Sibio Technology Limited v Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. [UPC-CoA-884/2025] – Court of Appeal of the UPC, Luxembourg (Kalden, Rombach, Simonsson, van der Burg, Rydman) – 13 August 2026 The Court …

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Sustainable Fertilisers: Innovations, Patentability, and Start-Up Support in Europe

Fertiliser is essential for global food production.  However, geopolitical conflicts driving up fertiliser prices, together with the agronomic challenges caused by climate change, are threatening agricultural productivity and food security.  …

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Microplastics in blue water

Cleaning up the laundry: Innovations in mitigating microplastic contamination from man-made fabrics

Microplastic contamination is widespread across our environment, and there are growing concerns about its effects on human health and ecosystems. In this article, we explore the issue of microplastic pollution …

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HGF

Patent restoration

Inadvertent or accidental loss of patent rights can be distressing for patent holders and indeed for IP practitioners. The most common reason for restoration is when a patent has lapsed …

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