Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is at the cutting edge of modern life sciences, driving innovation across diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalised medicine. By harnessing biological data and applying computational tools, researchers are uncovering new insights into disease, developing in silico drug discovery platforms, and predicting patient outcomes with unprecedented precision.

Protecting these innovations requires a sophisticated intellectual property strategy that understands both biological complexity and software-driven processes. HGF has a long-standing reputation for IP excellence in life sciences and data-centric technologies, making us ideally placed to support bioinformatics innovators.

Our expertise includes:

  • AI and machine learning models trained on biological data
  • Genomic analysis and personalised medicine platforms
  • Computational biology tools and software pipelines
  • Data integration, visualisation, and analytics systems
  • Expert guidance on patentability of algorithms, databases and diagnostic methods under European patent law
  • Coordinating parallel patent strategies across EP, national and international filing routes

From spinouts leveraging university research to global pharmaceutical companies developing next-generation therapies, we work with a broad range of clients to protect core technologies and support commercial success.

We understand the particular challenges of patenting bioinformatics inventions, from hybrid software/biotech technologies to patentability requirements in software and AI innovations. Our attorneys provide commercially focused IP strategies that align with your R&D roadmap, regulatory environment, and funding goals.

Our integrated approach draws on a wealth of technical and legal knowledge across disciplines, combining life sciences, software, and medical regulation expertise. We offer a full suite of IP protection tools, including patents, trade secrets, copyright, and database rights.

At HGF, we don’t just file patents, we help shape your competitive advantage in a fast-evolving market. Partner with us for IP strategies that secure your position at the forefront of bioinformatics innovation.

Latest updates

Protecting the AI Drug Discovery Ecosystem: Building an IP Stack Around Targets, Molecules and Medicines

Despite the considerable costs and effort in target identification, candidate generation, selection and advancement to clinical trials, 90% of candidates that enter clinical trials during drug discovery fail (Sun D, …

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Agritech Thymes: UK-EU SPS agreement – what does it mean for plant breeders?

Since Brexit, the UK agrifood sector has faced difficulties, largely due to the requirement for additional certifications and controls, such as phytosanitary certificates and border checks. This has had a …

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How Low Can You Go? T 0137/24, Percentage Sequence Identity Claims and Divergent EPO and USPTO Approaches

Key takeaways Increasing percentage sequence identity thresholds may be selected from a disclosed convergent list without adding matter, provided the amendment does not create a new technical combination; Broader percentage …

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Designing the Exit: IP Strategy for Venture-Backed Biotech

In venture-built biotech, value is not created at the point of exit, but is designed into the asset from the very beginning. The earliest decisions made around a scientific discovery …

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Five Questions VCs Should Ask About IP Before They Invest

Intellectual property diligence too often starts with the wrong question: how many patents does the company have? For venture investors, that is rarely the most revealing answer. The real issue …

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HGF in Conversation: Andrew Tindall on the IP Landscape of Personalised Medicine

How is the convergence of genomics, AI, diagnostics and gene therapies reshaping healthcare, and what does this mean for intellectual property? Andrew Tindall, Patent Director at HGF, recently joined Parola …

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PRESS RELEASE - HGF strengthens Life Sciences practice with appointment of Dr Russell Thom

HGF has strengthened its European Life Sciences practice with the appointment of Dr Russell Thom, who joins the firm as a Partner 1st August 2026. Russell brings more than 25 …

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Agritech Thymes: EU Adopts New NGT Regulation: Key IP Takeaways for the Agritech Sector

In a landmark moment for the European agritech sector, the EU Parliament has adopted new rules governing plants developed using New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). For developers, seed companies, and their …

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Let's talk

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