Food science

The food science industry is innovative and extremely competitive. In particular sectors, patent protection is widely used to provide a competitive edge.

The HGF chemistry team has particular expertise in the food science field. The HGF chemistry team has particular expertise in protecting flavouring compositions, food preservatives, nutraceuticals, food and chewing gum formulations and food production and processing technologies.

Our IP expertise encompasses IP strategy advice, invention capture, drafting and filing patent applications, patent prosecution, portfolio management and infringement analysis. We also have experience of handling contentious proceedings and a number of our experienced patent attorneys specialise in opposition and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office. We are regularly involved with complex and high-value multi-party oppositions.

We are well positioned to advise our clients in relation to all aspects of food science IP and have a reputation for providing high quality, pragmatic and commercially-focused advice.

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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Let's talk

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