Industries | Horticulture | EP&C Patent Attorneys

With a deep, hands-on understanding of the challenges facing this sector, we help clients maximise the value of their intellectual property. With deep sector knowledge and a lifetime of working alongside the horticulture sector, our clients get all the tools they need to succeed in this landscape. We don’t just skim the surface - we dive deep into the details and their transformational impact.

Trusted by leading business

We’re proud to work alongside some of the most innovative names in horticulture, from sustainable infrastructure pioneers to advanced tech firms.

Protecting your innovation

We help companies, researchers and breeders in the horticulture 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 it’s managing a portfolio of technologies for climate control, cultivation techniques or renewable energy solutions, our expertise helps you identify which innovations to protect and how to safeguard them.

Addressing infringement issues

Navigating potential patent violations in the evolving horticulture industry. Our legal and technical expertise helps prevent misuse, taking action to resolve infringements while also ensuring your business avoids infringement 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.

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Horticulture under pressure:
issues shaping the future

High energy costs heat up demand for sustainable greenhouse solutions

As energy prices soar, innovations within the horticulture sector must find cost-effective ways to power greenhouses. Data centre waste heat and solar energy promise savings but they need to be advanced enough to keep growing costs under control.

Every drop counts: the drive for water sustainability in horticulture

Water conservation is a critical challenge for industries worldwide. With a push towards fully recirculating systems and sustainable usage, industry leaders are working to make water-efficient systems the new standard.

Goodbye, plastics? The horticulture shift to eco-friendly alternatives

With plastic waste piling up, greener solutions are needed. From seed trays to greenhouse coverings, companies are testing bio-based materials like bamboo and cardboard. But can these alternatives meet the industry’s durability and cost demands?

Ditching chemicals: the rise of biological pest control in horticulture

The pressure is on to reduce pesticide use in horticulture but eco-friendly pest control methods present new challenges. From insect netting to beneficial insects, are these green alternatives ready to take the lead?

Advanced automation

Autonomous greenhouse machinery, AI climate control and computer vision for crop sorting, optimising labour and precision
Robust infrastructure such as greenhouse facilities

Sustainable energy

Light, heating, cooling and water management systems to reduce traditional energy alliance
Closed-loop water systems and precision irrigation to conserve resources through recycling and optimised delivery

Plant production

Seed and variety development innovations for genetically modified and disease-free varieties
Bio-based alternatives to pesticides, advancing sustainable and healthier crop protection

Eco-friendly materials

Replacing traditional plastics with bio-based options like bamboo and cardboard for seed trays, packaging and greenhouse coverings to reduce environmental impact
Eco-friendly pest management, including insect netting and beneficial insects, to meet environmental standards

SUCCESS STORY

Tencent and WUR join forces to grow fully automated lettuce using AI

Tech giant Tencent and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) teamed up for the International Autonomous Greenhouse Challenge, a competition uniting experts in AI and horticulture to grow crops like lettuce in greenhouses - entirely without human intervention.

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Growing trust: why customers choose us

View our success stories

"Thanks to EP&C, we can optimally protect our innovative greenhouse screen systems. Their practical approach makes the process smooth and transparent, helping us achieve our growth ambitions."

Joost de Jong

Solvent

"With EP&C as our partner, we can keep our focus on developing innovative solutions for horticulture. Their expertise in intellectual property ensures effective protection of our innovations and strengthens our position on the global market."

Maartje Jung

Royal Brinkman

Horticulture patent protectors

Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in various horticultural fields, from plant biotechnology and crop development to sustainable agriculture and new technologies. We ensure your innovations are not only protected but positioned for success.

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