Industries
Food

From plant-based meats to sustainable packaging solutions, food innovators are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We help clients protect food-based technologies like alternative proteins, healthier ingredients and eco-friendly production methods. With our deep knowledge of food-related IP, we provide tailored strategies to safeguard your innovations and ensure they thrive in today’s market.
Trusted by leading business
We’re proud to work alongside some of the most innovative names in the food industry, from startups and SMEs to large multinationals.




Protecting your innovation
We help companies, researchers and manufacturers in the food industry protect their innovations and intellectual property rights.
Identifying patentable innovations
Guiding clients through the patent landscape to find the best protection strategy for their innovations. Whether you’re a startup or multinational, technical innovator or sustainable pioneer, our expertise helps you identify which innovations to protect and how to safeguard them.
Addressing infringement issues
Navigating potential patent violations in the evolving food industry. Our legal and technical expertise helps prevent misuse, taking action to resolve infringements while also ensuring your business avoids infringing on existing patents.
Driving strategic patent monitoring
Implementing tailored patent strategies and leveraging government-backed schemes like WBSO and innovation box to reduce tax on R&D projects. Long term, we ensure compliance with regulatory changes so clients can adapt to shifts in the market.
Managing formalities and enforcing rights
Drafting detailed patent applications and defining invention claims for maximum protection. Our team manages the formalities across jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with national and international regulations to safeguard IP rights.
Food under pressure:
issues shaping the future

Market saturation stifles innovation in the plant-based space
The plant-based food market is booming but increasingly crowded, making it difficult for new entrants to stand out. Scaling production cost-effectively and securing supermarket shelf space are challenges for even the most innovative startups.
Sustainability vs shelf life: the green dilemma
Across the industry, companies are racing to reduce waste, create eco-friendly packaging and repurpose by-products to meet sustainability demands. This urgent push for greener solutions collides with the need to maintain food quality and extend shelf life.
Balancing natural ingredients and consumer convenience
As consumer demand for healthier, natural foods surges, pressure grows to replace artificial ingredients with organic alternatives. The challenge lies in balancing these preferences with the need to maintain convenience, taste and affordability.
Patent and regulatory hurdles slow food innovation
Food innovators face confusion over what can be patented, particularly for new ingredients and complex processes. Navigating international regulations further complicates efforts to protect innovations and attract investment.
Working alongside an entire industry
Our attorneys are engaged across the entire energy sector, supporting a wide range of clients. Here’s a glimpse into the innovations we’re working on, with projects spanning several areas.
Health and convenience innovations
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Developing healthier alternatives to traditional food items, including reduced-fat, low-sugar and high-protein options
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Reducing artificial ingredients like e-numbers in food products to meet growing consumer demand for natural and healthier options
Advancing food sustainability
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Repurposing discarded materials like animal feed to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact
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Sustainable packaging solutions to reduce waste and meet increasing consumer and regulatory demand for environmental responsibility
Innovations in plant-based proteins
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Alternatives to traditional meats using ingredients like pea protein and soy
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Assisting startups in the cultured meat space, helping to navigate regulatory environments and expand into markets that drive value
Enhancing food processing and shelf life
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Advanced food processing methods that improve production efficiency, including technologies that integrate multiple steps
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Assisting innovators in finding ways to enhance shelf life without relying on artificial additives

SUCCESS STORY
EP&C and Rival Foods: joining forces for a sustainable world
Growing trust: why customers choose us
"EP&C’s support has been essential in protecting our plant-based protein technologies. Our collaboration allows us to continue pioneering in sustainable food."

Birgit Dekkers
Rival Foods
"Thanks to EP&C, we can continue innovating in the production of high-quality gelatins. Their IP expertise ensures that our technological edge is maintained."

Barbara de Klerk
Rousselot
"EP&C's patent attorneys have extensive technical knowledge, which benefits us greatly. They create a strong link between the technical aspects and how these are articulated in the patent."

Saskia Tersteeg
Time Travelling Milkman
Food patent protectors
Our attorneys have represented clients across a range of food industry categories, including sectors like food tech, organic ingredients, agricultural production and more. We ensure your innovations are not only protected but positioned for success.
Sarah Carter
Trainee Patent Attorney
Sarah Carter
Sarah combines biophysics expertise and passion for life sciences to secure IP.

Robbert-Jan de Lang
Partner
Dutch & European Patent Attorney
Robbert-Jan de Lang
Robbert-Jan uses his deep tech knowledge and business sense for practical, results-driven solutions.

Valeria De Matteis
European Patent Attorney
Valeria De Matteis
Valeria is driven by curiosity and believes innovation is essential for societal progress.

Mark Jolink
Associate Partner
Dutch & European Patent Attorney
Mark Jolink
Mark uncovers the core of innovations and creatively protects them, empowering inventors to make an impact.

Michiel Croes
Dutch Patent Attorney
Michiel Croes
Michiel not only puts himself in the shoes of a biologist or technician, but also of an inventor.

Gerrie Hoogendam
Partner
Dutch & European Patent Attorney
Gerrie Hoogendam
Gerrie enjoys explaining IP strategies clearly, helping clients succeed, which keeps her energized in her work.

Daphne Huberts
Dutch & European Patent Attorney
Daphne Huberts
Daphne loves the unique combination of science, patent law, and strategy her role offers.
