It has become increasingly apparent in recent years that alternative sources of nutrition to those derived from traditional agricultural and fishing practices are an imperative for the future of the planet. We appear to be at the beginning a complete transformation of the global food landscape. For example, it has been forecast that by 2040 plant-based meat replacement and cultivated meat products could in combination account for ~60% of the global meat industry.

We draw on our deep technical understanding of cellular and developmental biology and cell culture to build strong IP positions for our clients working in the field of cellular agriculture and aquaculture. We anticipate an explosion of patent filings in the coming years as increasingly well-backed companies continue to innovate and make cultivated meat products a widespread commercial reality.

Our clients also include companies developing novel plant- and microorganism-based sources of protein. Here we are able to leverage our knowledge of marker-assisted breeding, computational genomics, transgenic engineering and gene editing technologies, and also our experience navigating the complex legal landscape for protecting inventions in this space.

Whilst innovation drives these developments, success will not only depend on acquiring robust patent protection, but on using IP rights and insights to secure a valuable position within the market. A sense of commercial awareness pervades all our work, and our understanding of IP rights as they relate to future foods allows us to deliver key guidance to clients. Whether it is providing clearance ahead of product launch or advising on how to exploit or shore up an existing position, we are there every step of the way as our clients take their products from the lab to the plate.

Mewburn Ellis is very proud to be working with the companies shaping the global food landscape for the years to come.

For more information see our Future Foods spotlight page.