Global intellectual property company Murgitroyd has acquired Irish patent and trademark firm Hanna Moore + Curley (HMC).

Dublin-headquartered HMC, which specialises in obtaining intellectual property protection for a wide range of sectors, including life sciences, electronic and technology-led companies, also has a presence in China, which expands Murgitroyd’s global reach in the Far East.

As well as specialist attorney technical expertise, the acquisition adds to the existing Murgitroyd 15-office network in Britain, Germany, Italy, Ireland, France, Switzerland and Finland.

Chief executive Gordon Stark said: “The addition of HMC advances Murgitroyd’s strategic ambition to grow the business in Europe, broaden support for our North American corporate clients, and add a new dimension to our business development in Asia.

“HMC is a highly regarded and progressive IP business, and the integration of our Dublin offices will enhance client services and future business development.”

He added that the firm was increasing the scale and depth of its technical knowledge and expertise, and expanding its global footprint by bringing on board a very talented team.

Geographical spread

Barry Moore (HMC) said: “We have grown our business steadily and successfully since 2003, and we now believe that joining forces with Murgitroyd will accelerate our growth ambitions.

"We will be able to access more resources and more people, as well as gaining a greater geographical spread. 

“We are delighted to be joining Murgitroyd, and look forward to offering our clients the broader range and scope of intellectual-property services that being part of a larger practice brings.

“Our combined operations in Dublin will also continue to be an increasingly important service-base for our clients.”                                               

The businesses’ Dublin offices will be consolidated, with no loss of jobs, and new investment will be made in resources to support the future growth of the enlarged Dublin operation.

Murgitroyd's IP business was established in Glasgow, Scotland in 1975.

It has four client liaison offices in the US, and an office handling patent searching in Nicaragua. 

The company currently employs more than 75 patent and trademark professionals, and has over 320 members of staff. 

HMC was formed in 2003, when Barry Moore and Donnacha Curley joined forces with Peter Hanna.