Catalysts

Many chemical processes would not run without catalysis, or the rate of reaction would be so slow as to render the process commercially useless. Catalysts are a crucial feature of chemical processes across a wide range of sectors, from the synthesis of pharmaceuticals to the large-scale production of industrial and agricultural products. They also play a crucial role in breaking down unwanted pollutants and by products from chemical reactions, preventing them from causing harm to people or the environment.

In many cases, protecting a new catalyst with a strong IP portfolio can be at least as valuable as protecting the end-product. A new or improved catalyst can be a lynchpin which enables an entire industrial sector to function effectively. Catalyst patents can offer protection which effectively extends to the processes and end-products, since it may not be commercially viable for competitors to perform the process without using the protected catalyst.

Catalysts can take many physical forms, from elemental metals and simple inorganic compounds through to more complex organic molecules. They may be supported or unsupported, homogeneous or heterogeneous, act alone or as part of a larger catalytic system, and the same catalyst could serve a multitude of functions. Despite the complexity, our attorneys are highly experienced and well-placed to work with you towards obtaining the strongest possible protection for new catalysts and the catalytic processes which utilise them.

Our chemistry IP experts have experience in obtaining, defending and advising on patents for a vast range of chemical technologies and industries, including catalysis. We can also advise on competitors’ IP and on how to mitigate any risks associated therewith. The team has considerable expertise in opposition & appeals before the European Patent Office, both defending patents granted to our clients and opposing patents granted to our clients’ competitors.