Photonics & quantum technology

Breakthroughs in quantum and photonics technologies are redefining what’s possible – enabling ultra-secure communications and quantum-enhanced sensing, next-generation computing and transformative healthcare diagnostics. However, long development cycles, rising R&D costs, and a rapidly evolving technical and regulatory landscape demand a forward-looking, strategically aligned approach.

At HGF, we specialise in helping innovators in quantum and photonic technologies navigate the complex IP landscape with confidence. Whether it’s assessing the patentability of quantum algorithms, securing protection for integrated photonic circuits, or supporting spinouts on their growth journey, our attorneys bring a combination of deep technical knowledge and commercial acumen.

Our team combines strong technical credentials in areas such as quantum hardware, photonics engineering, and computational systems with proven experience advising high-growth startups, universities, and multi-national R&D leaders.  We understand the nuances of emerging standards, global IP frameworks, and the strategic importance of IP in attracting investment, enabling collaboration, and securing competitive advantage.

As the sector continues to evolve,  IP protection becomes a key differentiator. Our insight into emerging trends, regulatory developments, and global IP frameworks ensures our clients’ innovations are protected from lab to market.

With dedicated expertise and a genuine track record in quantum and photonic technologies, HGF delivers agile, strategic IP solutions that help your innovations create lasting impact and value in a competitive global landscape.

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 photonics & quantum technology specialists.