Catalysis

The chemical industry is constantly striving to find improved chemical processes that are more selective for the desired end products, less expensive to operate, and more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

The HGF chemistry team works extensively with major universities, multinational companies, SMEs and spin-outs to protect new catalyst technologies and the improved chemical processes they are applied to.  We have particular expertise relating to new catalysts, catalytic supports and improved catalytic processes, supporting the steady strive for improvement.

Our expertise encompasses IP strategy advice, patent prosecution, drafting and filing patent applications, invention capture, portfolio management and infringement analysis. We are experienced at handling contentious proceedings and have experienced patent attorneys specialise who have handled opposition and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office. We are frequently involved with complex and high-value multi-party oppositions and are well positioned to advise our clients in relation to all aspects of catalysis IP. We provide high quality, pragmatic and commercially-focussed advice.

Latest updates

T1977/22: Can claims defined by open-ended ranges ever be sufficiently disclosed?

The EPO’s Board of Appeal’s decision in T1977/22 provides an interesting review of the case law concerning the compatibility of whole range sufficiency and claims defined as a result to …

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Protecting inventions in Europe and beyond

A patent is  a form of registered intellectual property right granted for new, inventive and industrially applicable inventions. Patents are monopoly rights that  allow their owners (or licensees) the right …

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T 0295/22: EPO Technical Board of Appeal relies on “bonus effect” case law to find Amgen’s patent to orally administered apremilast lacking in inventive step

This case concerned Amgen’s European patent no. 2962690 for apremilast, a drug sold under the brand name Otezla®, licensed for the treatment of e.g., psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  The patent …

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Can the Chancellor’s so-called “Europe’s Silicon Valley” really replicate the innovative activity of its namesake?

The Chancellor of the UK, Rachel Reeves, recently unveiled plans to deliver an Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor that promises to boost the UK economy by up to £78 billion by 2035.  …

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UPC’s CFI (Milan) extends deadline to file defence to infringement claim to align with parallel EPO appeal proceedings

Dainese S.p.A. v. Alpinestars S.p.A. & ors. UPC_CFI_472/2024 – Milan Local Division (Perrotti, Zana, Klein, Ashley) – 15 January 2025 The Milan Local Division granted a defendant’s request for an …

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UPC on Doctrine of Equivalents

Plant-e Knowledge BV & anor v Arkyne Technologies SL UPC_CFI_239/2023 (Brinkman, Granata, Walker & Koke) – 22 November 2024 The Hague Local Division has handed down the first substantive UPC …

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IP Ingredients: The not so "Impossible" Burger

Meat alternatives are a hot topic with the increase in popularity of vegetarianism and veganism, highlighted by this month being “veganuary”.  However, at time when meat alternatives are coming under …

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T 0295/22: Apremilast decision highlights hopes and challenges for broad second medical use claims

This case provides insight to the EPO’s interpretation of administration features in second medical use claims. Whilst the door appears to be open for broader second medical use claims, they …

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Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our catalysis specialists.