Chemistry | Cosmetics

The Cosmetics Industry

The cosmetics industry is large and international with a relatively small number of big companies dominating the market. Recent years have seen an increase in environmentally friendly and organic products, a trend that shows no sign of abating.

Cosmetics is a heavily patented area and so the patent landscape is crowded. Many products are synergistic combinations of known chemicals making it very important in patent applications to describe specific examples, data and advantages provided. Because of the international nature of the industry, filing in many different countries is often commercially desirable, with the US, Europe, China and Brazil being particularly important.

We have been working in this area for decades and have considerable knowledge of how products have evolved over that time. This makes us well placed to help our clients identify patentable features and advise on freedom to operate.

We work across a wide range of cosmetics including lip gloss, mascara, sunscreen, colour cosmetics, anti-aging skin care products, and fragrances, as well as applicators for applying products.