[White paper] Growing through IP: Accelerating product development in fast moving consumer goods

In sectors defined by rapid cycles and shifting consumer expectations, such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), IP is not just about protection, it’s about acceleration. The ability to secure, align, and commercialise IP at pace is central to how companies bring new products and services to market, and how they grow. 

This white paper focuses on the practical application of IP strategy within the product development lifecycle. From formulation and packaging innovations to design-led differentiation and counterfeit mitigation, we explore how businesses can use IP to reduce risk, speed up delivery, and create more defensible, valuable offerings. Drawing from real-world examples, Nestlé’s in-store coffee innovation, AB InBev’s packaging systems, M&S’s successful design litigation, Unilever’s leadership in sustainable packaging, and a recent 3D trade mark case in healthcare, we show how patents, design rights, trademarks and enforcement technologies work in practice to unlock commercial impact. 

Whether you're scaling a refillable product system, managing legal exposure in a high-volume launch, or aligning teams around a global product roadmap, the takeaway is clear: IP must move upstream. The businesses that treat IP as a strategic lever, not a compliance task, are the ones that launch faster, scale with confidence, and grow through innovation. 

Find out more in our white paper, which can be downloaded below.