Optics &

Photonics

Innovations in optics and photonics underpin advancements in high-tech manufacturing, faster communications, medical diagnostics, high-power lasers, nuclear threat identification, solar power and other technologies essential to the health and safety of people worldwide and offers the potential for a scalable quantum computer. Many of today’s ‘must-have’ technologies such as smart phones, high definition TVs, LED lighting and digital cameras are enabled by optics and photonics.

Our patent attorneys have a wealth of experience in the fields of optics, photonics and laser science, with many holding masters and PhD qualifications in this technology space. In addition they have a vast amount of relevant IP expertise at all stages of the patent lifecycle including patent drafting, prosecution, infringement and validity opinions, freedom to operate work, and oppositions. Their patent work covers a range of specific technologies including everything from optoelectronics to medical imaging, laser development and quantum structures to LiDAR equipment and imaging techniques.

Our patent experts really understand the physics behind these inventions and relish the opportunity to work with you to patent this technology.

EPO Opposition Trends in Engineering, Electronics and Software-compressed

Special Report

EPO Opposition Trends in Engineering, Electronics and Software

In autumn 2020, we analysed more than 8000 opposition cases filed at the European Patent Office (EPO) over the last 12 years, studying the timelines for hundreds of engineering, electronics and software oppositions.

The research enabled us to see how oppositions have been affected by procedural changes at the European Patent Office and by the Covid-19 pandemic. With a focus on Transport, Medical Devices, Telecommunications and Software, the report also looks at how opposition outcomes vary across the four different technology sectors and which players are the most active.

Read our blogs

Burger Tech: Innovations reshaping fast food

Burger Tech: Innovations reshaping fast food

by Rachel Oxley

If you’re in the business of burgers, you’ll know that the humble patty is no longer just about meat and seasoning. It’s now a high-tech product shaped by robotics, AI, and precision engineering. ...

UPC Weekly - Secret prior use defence wins the day

UPC Weekly - Secret prior use defence wins the day

by Matthew Naylor

2025 Week 43 When you overlay an international court like the UPC with an array of existing national courts, there are wrinkles that need sorting out. In Heraeus v. Vibrantz, the UPC Local Division ...

UPC Weekly - As sure as eggs is eggs …

UPC Weekly - As sure as eggs is eggs …

by Matthew Naylor

2025 Week 42 This week we report on two decisions from the UPC that are totally different, but both important in their own way. The first is a down-in-the-detail first instance case on infringement ...

Paving the Way for Fusion: Inside the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Materials Roadmap 2.0

Paving the Way for Fusion: Inside the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Materials Roadmap 2.0

by Jordan Passe

Fusion energy has long been heralded as the holy grail of clean power – an energy source that could deliver vast amounts of electricity with minimal environmental impact. But turning this promise ...

UPC Weekly - Who counts as an infringer? Court of Appeal clarifies director liability

UPC Weekly - Who counts as an infringer? Court of Appeal clarifies director liability

by Lucy Coe

2025 Week 41 The UPC Court of Appeal’s second ruling on the merits is out in the Philips v. Belkin case. This decision broadens who can be considered an “infringer” beyond those directly performing ...

Microelectronics UK Event: Real Challenges, Real Progress

Microelectronics UK Event: Real Challenges, Real Progress

by Rebecca Frith

In September, Rebecca Frith and Luke Jones attended Microelectronics UK. The two day event was packed with sharp insights and honest debate about the state of the industry. Below are some of their ...

Forward Magazines Overlapping 6-compressed

Mewburn Ellis

FORWARD MAGAZINE

Mewburn Ellis Forward is a biannual publication that celebrates the best of innovation and exploration. Through its pages we hope to inform and entertain, but also to encourage discussion about the most compelling developments taking place in the scientific and entrepreneurial world. Along the way, we’ll engage with the IP challenges that international organisations face every day.