Performance polymers impact all areas of our lives and are used in a wide range of applications from tyres to contact lenses.

These advanced materials are tuned to achieve a particular performance level often under highly specific conditions such as high temperatures, high pressures or when in contact with the human body. Developing materials which are able to operate under these conditions for extended periods of time is challenging.

Our polymers team have experience in working on patent applications relating to a wide range of advanced performance polymers including bulk polymers, performance rubbers, absorbent polymers and lenses among others. The team also have experience of a large number of different polymer types and processing technologies. We understand that each performance polymer must be honed for a specific application and that innovations in this area are often defined in terms of improvements in physical or chemical performance, which can present its own set of challenges, particularly at the European Patent Office.

We can help you to take advantage of the patent system to protect new polymer compositions and manufacturing methods, as well as their use in a wide range of different applications. We have significant experience in getting applications relating to performance polymers granted at the EPO and UKIPO and also have a strong track record of successfully challenging the IP rights of others in this area.

We also understand that it is important to minimise the impact of performance materials on the environment, this includes developing systems which prevent shedding and compositions which help to extend the working life of products.