Food & drink

Fast moving, the Food and Drink industry has to be abundant in creativity and innovation.

Throughout the Food and Drink supply chain, businesses are tackling head-on problems created by global population growth and the increasing need for food sustainability, accessibility and security. Addressing issues such as the demand for more environmentally acceptable packaging, food sourcing, processing and preservation and animal welfare combined with ever-changing consumer trends for food and drink, the sector is creating new opportunities for established businesses and new entrants alike.

IP is at the core of food and drink innovation and development.  HGF’s expertise in technologies including cell-based meat, other alternative proteins and dairy, agrotechnology, nutraceuticals, smart packaging and food and drink production and processing combined with market-leading brand and design expertise, complete the recipe for effective client support in the creation, capture and commercialisation of valuable IP and technology.

HGF’s food and drink specialists combine their technical knowledge and practical sector experience to work with clients to develop effective IP strategies to maximise investment return whether start-ups seeking first round and later stage funding, new brand launches or collaborations between conglomerates looking to partner with and upscale niche technology developers.

 

Cans of pop
Workers on a factory line

Our food & drink specialists

We’ve built our business by recruiting and developing specialists, not generalists. When it comes to protecting your ideas and business, you want to know you’re working with the best – people who truly understand your sector and the potential of your IP.

HGF’s team has food & drink professionals from an array of academic backgrounds. Our team-based approach ensures our clients benefit from the very best strategic advice from people who understand not only the legal environment, but also the practical and theoretical side of their business.

Let's talk

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

Latest news

Celebrating Success – Director Promotions

We are proud to announce that 7 of our team have been promoted to director effective from 1 December 2024! These promotions recognise the outstanding contributions demonstrated by these individuals, who …

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The Board of Appeal refers questions to the Enlarged Board of Appeal regarding case T1286/23

In T1286/23 (https://www.epo.org/en/boards-of-appeal/decisions/t231286ex1), the Board of Appeal has referred the following questions to the Enlarged Board of Appeal: After the withdrawal of all appeals, may the proceedings be continued with …

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UPC first FRAND judgment results in injunction against OPPO

Panasonic Holdings Corporation v Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp. Ltd & anor UPC_CFI_210/2023 – Mannheim Local Division (Tochtermann, Böttcher, Brinkman & Loibner) – 22 November 2024. The UPC issued its …

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The IP Lawyer’s Cheat Sheet: Lucy Johnson on Innovation, Legislation, and Strategy

The world of intellectual property is on the brink of significant transformation. From navigating the use of AI technology to staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated bad actors, IP professionals must …

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Edwards v Meril confirms UPC’s jurisdiction over acts of infringement before the court came into force

In Edwards v Meril (UPC_CGI_15/2023), the UPC’s Munich local division refused to stay infringement proceedings pending an appeal on the central division’s finding of validity of the patent in amended …

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Njoy v Juul finds the patent's underlying problem despite no mention of the problem in the specification

In Njoy v Juul (UPC CFI 315 /2023), the Paris Division of the Central Division provides further insight into the UPC’s approach to inventive step. Of critical importance in assessing …

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