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

Agritech Thymes: A review of protection for gene edited plants

As we head into a new season, it’s a good time to revisit the current status of protection for Essentially Derived Varieties (EDVs) and plants derived from New Genomic Techniques …

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The Strawberry Patent Battle: Seeds, Speculation, and Jurisdiction

  This case, relating to infringement of a US plant patent, deals with the evidentiary burden required to show infringement of a plant patent in the US, as well as …

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The draft of The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2025 reveals practical details on how to obtain a Precision Bred Organism status

In a recent blog post we discussed the Precision Breeding Regulatory Framework developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Further details on the application process for Precision Bred Organism confirmation …

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Regulation of NGT plants in Europe- Polish Presidency proposes an alternative solution to the Patent ban

In the latest development on the new proposed legislation for the regulation of NGT (gene-edited) plants in the EU, the Polish Presidency have proposed an amendment which removes the proposed …

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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 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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The EPO Board of Appeal comments on the scope of the morality exclusion from patentability

The recent decision, T1553/22 of the Board of Appeal required the Board to consider the scope of the exclusions from patentability under Article 53(a) EPC. The invention in this case …

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Update on the Precision Breeding Act 2023: details emerge of the new simplified regulatory pathway for gene edited plant and animal derived food and feed products

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 could come into force as early as spring 2025. It empowers the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to create a new simplified regulatory pathway …

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Let's talk

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