Batteries and energy storage in general are central to current efforts to decarbonise the economy. As more renewal energy sources are used, techniques for smoothing energy delivery are needed. As electric vehicles populate our streets, infrastructure and vehicle range become more and more important. These are just a view of the areas touched by this technology. From the very big to the very small, batteries of all types are under constant development and improvement. Protection of IP in such advances is vital to help companies survive and thrive in this busy field.

We have a long history of working with new energy storage solution innovators. Inventions in this field range from the constructional details of individual cells such as anodes, cathodes, separators or electrolytes, through to broader considerations relating to battery architecture, power supply and distribution, or delivery infrastructure projects.

Our battery tech team has supported numerous start-up companies whose technologies have been based on key insights and scientific discoveries. We therefore understand the value of a strong initial IP position – when there may only be funding available for a single patent application at the start of the business journey, it needs to count. We draft with this in mind: strong applications with commercially significant scope, but also sensible fallback positions to permit branching and faster grant if that is needed.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have extensive experience defending our clients’ important patents from attack by competitors, and indeed in attacking those competitor patents that would cause commercial difficulty for our clients. At this stage, with so much on the line, our depth of experience and technical knowledge can give the best support possible. With an enviable success rate in EPO opposition proceedings, we are confident that we can get the best result possible for our clients.

Read our Energy Storage spotlight page for more information.