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

Emotions running high - the patentability of AI considered at the UK Supreme Court

Emotions running high - the patentability of AI considered at the UK Supreme Court

by Kara Quast

On 21st and 22nd July 2025 the UK Supreme Court heard the much-anticipated case Emotional Perception AI Limited (Appellant) v Comptroller General of Patents (Respondent), which is the first time the ...

Compute, Costs, and Competition: The Economics of AI hardware

Compute, Costs, and Competition: The Economics of AI hardware

by Luke Jones

We’ve all noticed the increasing presence of Artificial Intelligence integrating into all forms of technology. This is putting pressure on a key resource: computational power.

A Silver Bullet? The Rise of Antimicrobial Materials

A Silver Bullet? The Rise of Antimicrobial Materials

by Jordan Passe

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and a renewed focus on infection prevention, antimicrobial materials have drawn increased attention across industries. These engineered surfaces aim to kill or ...

Event - AI: Future proofing your business, 9 July

Event - AI: Future proofing your business, 9 July

by Emma Graham

On Wednesday 9 July, we were delighted to co-host a panel discussion and networking event with US law firm Polsinelli at our new London Office, featuring an incredible line-up of AI experts and ...

Most opposed companies at the EPO in 2024

Most opposed companies at the EPO in 2024

by Katherine Green

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 ...

AI agents – future colleagues?

AI agents – future colleagues?

by Emily Lloyd

The onset of AI tools is leading to drastic changes in the workplace with more and more companies outsourcing work to AI. Companies such as Duolingo and Shopify have recently positioned themselves as ...

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.