Flex Marine Power
Harnessing the tides through IP: Flex Marine Power’s journey of patents and innovation
Background #
Flex Marine Power Ltd is a Scottish innovative company creating tidal turbine technology which will enable coastal communities to thrive through harnessing the power of the sea.
With climate and energy being major environmental issues of our time, there is a pressing need for new low-carbon local energy sources. Wind and solar farms are low-energy alternatives and fulfil this need to an extent, but as they both rely on weather conditions (wind and sunlight), unpredictability is a major concern.
Opportunity #
Tidal energy is uniquely predictable.
The founder of Flex Marine Power, David Mummery, and his team discovered that tidal energy can be mathematically forecast years in advance to the nearest minute, making it one of the most reliable renewable energy sources in the UK and beyond.
With 11% of the UK’s electricity demand capable of being met by tidal energy, the untapped potential is enormous. Yet, without the right legal protection and long-term strategy, innovations in this area risk being underdeveloped or left vulnerable. This is where we were able to step in, helping Flex Marine Power secure the rights they needed to turn their vision into a viable, scalable solution.
Action #
For more than a decade, we have partnered with Flex Marine Power to protect and strengthen their innovation journey.
Our team has supported them from the very earliest stages of idea development through to the successful grant of patent rights. We manage the drafting and prosecution of their patents, ensuring their inventions are robustly protected in key markets. In addition, we oversee their global patent portfolio, providing strategic guidance and ongoing management to safeguard their intellectual property as the company continues to grow and expand internationally.
Outcome #
With their rights protected, David Mummery and his team were able to continue focusing on developing the technology needed to help communities and businesses generate electricity from the natural ebb and flow of tides in their local waters.
Today, Flex Marine Power Ltd has a growing global patent and design portfolio centred on tidal turbine technology that empowers coastal communities to harness tidal energy sustainably.
They have also established a presence among the communities of the Scottish Islands, where they are developing their innovative 50kW underwater turbine. This biomimetic design is lightweight, cost-effective to produce and install, and environmentally considerate. The device works with nature to generate electricity while allowing wildlife to move freely and safely around the turbine.
We are proud to continue supporting Flex Marine Power on their innovation journey as they push the boundaries of renewable energy.
Conclusion #
Flex Marine Power’s story demonstrates how forward-thinking ideas can be transformed into world-changing solutions when innovation is paired with the right protection and strategic guidance. By securing their intellectual property, we have enabled the company to focus on advancing technology that not only addresses the climate challenge but also brings direct benefits to coastal communities. Together, we are helping unlock the true potential of tidal energy.
