Microscopic photo from National Cancer Institute

Sector group

Life sciences

HGF’s life sciences attorneys understand the challenges associated with commercially focused IP management and can advise on the pertinent issues, from invention conception through to patent term extension, to maximise the value of intellectual property.

Lady looking into test tube

As one of Europe’s largest groups of specialist life science attorneys, HGF has the wealth of technical and legal expertise to deliver truly global, commercially-focused strategies.

From protecting new research from Europe’s most prestigious universities, to high-profile oppositions for international healthcare companies on market-leading technologies, the team possesses in-depth legal experience. Particular technical expertise within the group covers the fields of food technology, microbiome for therapeutic purposes, cell and gene therapy, bioinformatics, cleantech, agritech, immunobiology, gene editing technologies, personalised medicine and anti-infectives.

In addition, our life sciences attorneys work closely with our IP lawyers in relation to life cycle agreements such as MTAs, R&D collaborations, companion diagnostics, IP licensing, clinical trials through to commercial manufacturing and supply, and litigation.

Latest updates

Stripped of Stripes; Browne v Adidas

Back in March, we reported on the US and EU decisions in the ongoing disputes between Adidas and Thom Browne (see Retail Scanner article here). In May, the US appeal …

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Iceland Foods v the Icelandic government goes to the EU General Court

When one thinks of Iceland, you may envision picturesque glaciers and hot springs, or you might think of prawn rings and frozen party food. The ongoing trade mark tussle between …

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Wrapping Up Your IP: Tips for E-Commerce Protection

Many of us would have turned to online shopping for Christmas gifts. Online shopping, whilst hugely convenient, does have its pitfalls. The main issue being not being able to physically …

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Hermès-Inspired Hacks: Using your trade mark ‘outside of the box’

French luxury goods manufacturer, Hermès International, almost lost protection for its signature ‘H’ figurative trade mark earlier this year when the EUIPO’s Cancellation Division issued a decision to revoke the …

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Case Law Round Up

2024 has been a busy year for trade marks, with a number of significant decisions being issued by the UK courts, including Tesco v Lidl, Thatchers v Aldi and the …

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The SkyKick Decision: The Importance of Origin Function

SkyKick UK Ltd and another (Appellants) v Sky Ltd and others (Respondents) [2024] UKSC 36 before Lord Kitchin, Lord Reed, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Hamblen and Lord Burrows.  Judgment given on …

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Polymorphs: Clearing the Inventive Step Hurdle at the European Patent Office (EPO)

Polymorphic forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) can represent commercially valuable compound subject matter and can be critical to providing necessary drug product characteristics and performance. However, patenting polymorphs is …

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Event - 28th - 29th January 2025

IQPC Global US Exchange

HGF are proud ‘Silver Plus’ sponsors of the IQPC Global US Exchange, at the Austin Marriot South, Texas. The IQPC Global US Exchange will be held at the Austin Marriot …

Event details