Opposition activity at the European Patent Office is often a strong indicator of a technology’s commercial relevance. We analysed the companies holding the highest numbers of European patents that were opposed during 2024, and the technologies behind them.
Unilever topped the list, with 22 patents opposed. The majority related to home care (14 patents), followed by personal care (five patents) and food (three patents). Other notable companies significant opposition activity in these fields were Henkel (home care), Procter & Gamble (home care and personal care) and Nestlé (foods).
This chart mostly features single-opponent oppositions, offering a different perspective on opposition activity from our annual “most opposed” rankings, which tend to be dominated by patents for therapeutics, where we see large numbers of multi-opponent oppositions (see here for the 2024 list).
One emerging trend we’ve seen across both lists is the growing focus on green technologies. Several of Unilever’s opposed patents suggest investment in this area, including EP4069813 (‘Biodegradable package containing water-soluble capsules’, for laundry and dishwasher detergents) and patents for Future Foods inventions EP4048087 (‘Vegetarian Burger’) and EP3930484 and EP4033907 (relating to edible plant proteins).
For a list of each company’s patents that were opposed in 2024, just click on the bar.
At Mewburn Ellis, we’re actively representing in a number of these oppositions – both defending and attacking. If you’re navigating an EPO opposition and need expert support, our teams in Life Sciences, Chemistry, and Engineering & ICT would be happy to help.
