Last week I shared how UPC infringement filings in chemicals and materials jumped nearly fourfold between 2023 and 2025. Once you look past that headline number, the more interesting question is where exactly this activity is concentrated. Three segments account for over 70% of the litigation we’ve tracked: Material science and metallurgy — 4 cases (~26%). Industrial processes and polymers — 4 cases (~26%). Agricultural chemistry — 3 cases (~20%).

The same pattern shows up in opt-out withdrawals. Industrial processes and specialty chemistry lead with around 20% of withdrawals, while material science, polymers, biomaterials, and coatings each account for roughly 16%. When the same segments dominate both filings and withdrawals, it’s usually a signal worth paying attention to.

It points to where competitive IP pressure is actively building, and where it’s likely to stay. Biomaterials, coatings, and energy-related materials are beginning to show similar movement too, so the concentration may widen slightly over the next couple of years. If materials, polymers, or process technologies are on your radar, my team can pull the specific patent holders and active cases in the segment most relevant to you.

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