Printing technologies

Whether it’s developments in the relatively new, and increasingly accessible, field of additive manufacturing or progress in the well-established world of traditional print, this area is alive with innovation that impacts a wide range of industries.

Rapidly evolving 3D printing technology is transforming manufacturing. Research into materials such as polymers, ceramics and metals has led to the increasing use of 3D and 4D printed parts in a large range of applications across medicine, orthopaedics, electronics, transport and countless other industries.

Traditional print is also experiencing ongoing progress. Innovation in inks and pigments, such as the creation of flexible, conductive formulas that can be harnessed for wearable electronics, is constant. Furthermore, substrate materials are subject to continual developments to meet new challenges and demands in printing.

Working with leading, international names in printing, as well as SMEs, universities and research institutions, the team combines real-time, industry insights and academic experience to develop protective IP strategies that perform in this highly competitive field.

We also have experience of handling contentious proceedings and many 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.

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 printing technologies specialists.