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

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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SPCs for Combination Products – Will CJEU need to look again?

Key takeaways National courts have diverged on the interpretation of the EU Court of Justice’s latest decisions on SPCs for combination products – in particular on whether data in the …

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Event - 16th September 2026

Basel seminar - New developments in SPCs

VENUE – Der Teufelhof Basel, The Archaeological Cellar Join us on Wednesday 16th September 5:30 – 8:00 pm (CEST) for our seminar on the latest developments in Supplementary Protection Certificates …

Event details

Let's talk

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