Chemistry patents European chemistry patents

We have a long history of working directly with innovators in the chemical sector. Appleyard Lees ranks in the top 3% of PCT-filers for industrial chemistry-based patent applications across European patent firms over the last thirty years.

Our expert chemistry patent attorneys possess strong technical knowledge across the sector, protecting innovation in areas from upstream early-stage materials production to downstream composite products and processes. They have the communication skills, and commercial understanding of our clients’ business operations, to deliver exceptionally high-quality work.

*based on the top 1000 European firms by PCT filing volume, who have filed over 25 PCT applications patents in the last thirty years, as of 02/2024. Data sourced from IP Pilot.

Our clients

We work with multinational corporations, well-known brands, universities, SMEs and start-ups. We are flexible and adaptable, taking a tailored approach to client service. Many of the world’s largest chemical innovators see our attorneys as an extension of their in-house teams, with several client relationships extending over decades. Our clients include:

An American Fortune 500 company, and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials
A global speciality chemicals company providing chemicals, additives, and formulations for markets including agrochemicals, construction, fuel, oilfield, personal care and polymers
The UK arm of a multinational chemical product manufacturer, specialising in the production and use of methacrylates for products in a range of industries
A multinational manufacturer and supplier of catalyst and refractory materials
A developer of membrane technology for critical metal extraction
A FTSE 250 company and global leader in PEEK and PAEK-based polymer solutions

James Clegg

Trainee Patent Attorney

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Oliver Manners

Trainee Patent Attorney

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Holly Redman

Trainee Patent Attorney

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Insights on IP and chemistry

Articles Jan192026

Patent Prosecution Highway – speeding towards patent grant

The road to getting a patent can be quite long and winding. This can be advantageous for some patent applicants, particularly start-ups and spin-outs, because it spreads out the costs for patent prosecution over a number of years. However, there are times when it may be desirable to speed-up the patent prosecution process. In this article, we explain a popular way to speed-up the process to getting a patent: the aptly named Patent Prosecution Highway.

Podcasts Oct302025

The Greenshoots Podcast – how five years of patent insights reveal the progress of green innovation

In this special episode of Greenshoots, our hosts unpack five years of global patent trends to reveal where meaningful technological progress is being made, and how Appleyard Lees’ unique methodology ensures credible, data-driven insights.

Articles Oct142025

Amylin analogues for weight loss: clinical and patent trends

In this article we discuss the ever-growing popularity of weight-loss drugs and the new candidates that are emerging as alternatives to the well-known GLP1-based drugs that currently dominate the market.

Podcasts Sep262025

The Greenshoots Podcast – From research to reality: The origin of Carbon Cell

In this episode, colleagues Sarah Gibbs (Partner) and Amelia Foster (Patent Attorney) are joined by Liz Lee, CEO and co-founder of Carbon Cell — creators of a carbon-negative alternative to traditional polymer foams.

Our practice areas include: