Advanced mechanical & systems engineering

Innovation in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing is accelerating, driven by AI, digitalisation, and global economic shifts. As systems become smarter and more integrated, protecting intellectual property across hardware and software is more complex and important than ever.

At HGF, we help clients navigate these challenges with commercially-focused IP strategies that keep pace with the speed of change in the sector. The rapid development of control systems is transforming automation, but success still relies on robust hardware platforms, precision sensing, and reliable performance. Our cross-disciplinary team can ensure innovations in both control and mechanical systems are fully protected, individually and in combination.

By taking a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, our mechanical engineering, electronics and software patent specialists work seamlessly together to secure broad and defensible protection for our clients. We support clients in identifying valuable innovation and the best way to protect it, ensuring that our clients capture technical value without ambiguity or unnecessary overlap.

By embedding IP strategy early in the development lifecycle, we help businesses protect their competitive edge while staying flexible for future innovation.

Latest updates

Event - 12th September 2025

Wolters Kluwer Breakfast Panel on AI & IP at AIPPI

Sofie McPherson, Patent Director at HGF, will be moderating a special breakfast panel session hosted by Wolters Kluwer at the AIPPI World Congress in Yokohama on 15 September 2025. Session …

Event details

Welcome to HGF Presents - New Video Series

Introducing HGF Presents a new video series delivering practical insights into European Patent Law and practice. Curated by our leading experts in chemistry, life sciences, technology & engineering, each concise …

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MevoCem Nominated for the Earthshot Prize by CIPA

We’re delighted to share that our client, Material Evolution, has been nominated by the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) for the globally renowned Earthshot Prize, in recognition of their …

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HGF Sets the Gold Standard – Recognised for 7th Year in a Row by Financial Times

We are extremely honoured to announce that HGF has once again been ranked ‘Gold’ across all six bands in the Financial Times Special Report – Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms …

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European Innovation Remains Strong: The EPO Patent Index 2024

The Patent Index 2024, recently published by the European Patent Office (EPO), provides a rich dataset from which key patent trends can be identified. The data shows that demand for …

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A £2.1M Lesson: The Power of Confidential Information

A recent High Court ruling1 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting confidential business information. Hambro Perks, was found guilty of breaching confidentiality and ordered to pay …

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Can intellectual property and foreign investment save struggling European eVTOL companies?

With the ongoing funding difficulties in the European eVTOL sector, we look at the role that intellectual property is likely to play in the prospects for the survival of Lilium …

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T 1847/22: Procedural considerations in appeal: Re-ordering of requests and the impact on admissibility

Background This case concerned EP 3 085 344 B1, which relates to a wound pad, a self-adhesive member comprising a wound pad. The patent was opposed by two opponents. During …

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Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our advanced mechanical & systems engineering specialists.