Alternative fuels

Alternative fuels are a key part of the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. From hydrogen and ammonia to advanced biofuels and synthetic fuels, these technologies are reshaping energy supply chains and opening up new IP opportunities, and risks. At HGF, we help innovators navigate this dynamic landscape with IP strategies that support scale-up, investment, and global deployment.

The development and commercialisation of alternative fuels is closely tied to regulatory change, decarbonisation targets, and advances in adjacent technologies like carbon capture, electrolysis, and catalyst design. IP strategy in this space requires not just well-drafted claims, but also a deep understanding of evolving commercial ecosystems.

One of the key challenges in this sector is protecting complex, often multi-step processes that span chemistry, engineering, and energy infrastructure. We support clients in securing protection across the full innovation chain, from fuel synthesis and storage systems to end-use applications in transport, industry, and grid integration.

Our multidisciplinary team has deep experience in energy systems, green chemistry, industrial processing, and hydrogen technologies. Whether you’re an established energy company or a cleantech startup, HGF provides the legal and technical insight you need to protect your innovations and lead in the low-carbon energy economy.

Latest updates

Santen Revisited – CJEU asked to think again on “first authorisation” for SPCs

A new referral to the Court of Justice of the EU will once again consider what is meant by the “first marketing authorisation” requirement of Article 3(d) of the EU …

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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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Let's talk

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