Patent attorney's work at the intersection of intellectual property (IP) law and technological innovation. In the critical minerals sector, they witness firsthand the transformative role that new technologies play. These include low-impact extraction methods, advanced processing systems and al-driven exploration tools. The pace of innovation is accelerating in response to the global demand for sustainable and efficient mineral production. However, with rapid development comes a unique set of legal and strategic challenges. Protecting IP is not merely about filing patent applications. It's about securing competitive advantage, enabling cross-border collaboration and navigating a complex global landscape of IP regimes. This is particularly critical in an industry where technological edge and proprietary know-how can impact long-term viability. In this presentation, I will explore current trends in patent filings and technology licensing within the critical minerals sector. I will highlight how innovators are leveraging IP to attract investment and form strategic partnerships. I will also address the growing emphasis on green technologies. The session will also offer insights into common pitfalls. These include premature disclosure, insufficient freedom-to-operate undertaking and inadequate IP due diligence in M&a transactions. Such failures can undermine otherwise groundbreaking innovations. Finally, I will outline opportunities for stakeholders to better align their IP strategies with business goals. Through the unique lens of an intellectual property expert, we can ensure that the sector not only continues its rapid advancement of new technologies but does so with strategic foresight.