Hardware

In a specialism where performance, efficiency, and capacity are constantly being redefined, intellectual property plays a critical role in sustaining competitive advantage. The computer hardware industry is under pressure from fast-paced technological change, global supply chain shifts, and legal frameworks, all of which require robust IP strategies.

At HGF, we support clients innovating in areas such as processors, memory systems, storage technologies, communication technologies, and embedded computing. As hardware increasingly integrates with AI systems, cloud platforms, and edge devices, protecting innovations at both the system and component levels becomes more complex and more essential.

The introduction of the Unitary Patent, alongside the ongoing activity of Non-Practicing Entities (NPEs), presents new risks and new opportunities. We help clients mitigate threats while making the most of new protections across Europe. Whether managing portfolios or navigating disputes, we focus on aligning IP protection with commercial goals.

We help clients adapt their IP coverage to where it matters most. With experience in managing high-value oppositions, appeals, and enforcement actions, our team ensures your hardware innovations are protected from prototype to supply.

Latest updates

HGF energy and IP

Fuelling IP: Nuclear Fusion Patents – Is 20 Years Enough?

A patent is often described as providing 20 years of exclusivity. For technologies that take many years to develop, test, license and bring to market, the period of commercially meaningful …

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Miniaturisation and Patentability: Why Scaling Down a Product Is Not Enough to Qualify as a Patentable Invention

Miniaturisation has become a defining trend in modern engineering. From consumer electronics to medical devices, companies constantly strive to make products smaller, lighter, and more portable. This evolution is often …

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T 0847/24 – New EPO Case Law Informs Strategy for AI-Assisted Engineering Design Patents

The recent EPO Board of Appeal decision T 0847/24 sets out that, when AI is involved in product design, the patent claims should follow the process through from digital model …

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Fuelling IP: Navigating the Patent Landscape: An Introduction for Energy Innovators

In today’s fast-evolving energy sector, innovation is essential – but so is knowing where to innovate. Understanding the intellectual property (IP) landscape is more than a legal exercise, it’s a …

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AI software

New 'Technical Character' Guidance Formalised by UKIPO Practice Note

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has now released formal guidance for examining UK patent applications directed to software and AI inventions. The practice note comes almost six months since …

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Six Sectors. Six Golds. Financial Times: Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2026

HGF has once again been recognised with ‘Gold’ rankings across all six sectors in the Financial Times Special Report – Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2026. We are one of …

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AI Governance: In Pursuit of a Rapidly Moving Target

1. Introduction: the governance paradox There is a growing paradox in boardrooms and legal teams: everyone is tired of talking about AI—and yet no one can afford to stop. Artificial …

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HGF energy and IP

Fuelling IP: Green Branding and Trade Mark Risk in the Energy Transition

What do the trade marks GREEN STEAM[1], ECO FLOW[2] and [3] have in common?  The answer is that they are all marks that have been refused by the EU Intellectual …

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Let's talk

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