Practice Area 03 / 04
Intellectual Property & Innovation
Quantum computing sits at an unusually tight intersection of physics and mathematics — which makes IP strategy both more important and more technically demanding than in most fields. We help clients protect what's actually protectable, and structure the rest deliberately.
Patent Advisory
Drafting and prosecuting patent claims for quantum hardware, algorithms and hybrid systems in a way that survives scrutiny over abstract-idea and subject-matter eligibility.
Software Licensing
Structuring licences for quantum software, compilers, SDKs and cloud-access platforms — including usage restrictions relevant to export control classification.
Trade-Secret Protection
Building trade secret protection programmes for calibration techniques, error-mitigation methods and other innovations better suited to confidentiality than public disclosure.
Technology-Transfer Agreements
Negotiating technology transfer between universities, national labs and commercial partners, with clear background/foreground IP allocation.
Research Collaborations
Structuring multi-party research collaboration agreements that balance academic publication norms against commercial confidentiality needs.
Joint-Development Agreements
Drafting joint development agreements for co-created quantum hardware and software, including IP ownership, exclusivity and commercialisation rights.
IP Portfolio Strategy
Advising on the mix of patent, trade secret and defensive publication strategy best suited to a quantum company's specific technology and competitive position.
Further Reading
What can actually be patented in quantum computing?
Our Knowledge Center breaks down where hardware, algorithmic and hybrid claims each stand today.
Read the full article →Talk to us
Protecting a quantum hardware or software innovation?
Book a confidential consultation with LLM Advocates' quantum law and policy team. We work with founders, enterprises, investors and government institutions across every stage of the quantum lifecycle.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney–client relationship. Quantum-related law and policy is an evolving field; for guidance specific to your organisation, please book a consultation with our team.