Transport, Aerospace & Defence

Innovation in transport, aerospace, and defence is driven by the convergence of advanced technologies, evolving security needs, sustainability goals, and increasing demand for efficiency, connectivity and resilience in complex global environments.

At HGF, we understand the fast-evolving technologies at the forefront of this sector, including electrification, autonomy, software integration and unmanned systems. We are also familiar with the nuanced characteristics of the sector, critical when developing IP strategy (including risk management, certification requirements, product development timelines, product lifecycles and principle revenue streams). Combined with our deep technical knowledge across vehicle design, propulsion, advanced materials, digital systems and  AI, our team is uniquely positioned to deliver efficient and effective strategic solutions.

As technologies converge across transport, aerospace, and defence – raising issues around third-party IP, licensing, and jurisdictional protection – HGF offers a clear advantage. Our European presence, industry-aligned insight, and one of the largest opposition practices in Europe ensure robust protection across the entire IP lifecycle.

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 transport, aerospace & defence specialists.