A YORK-based firm of patent and trade mark attorneys is expanding with the opening of a new office in Newcastle.

Secerna LLP, based at York Science Park, has chosen office space in Newcastle city centre, putting it close to small technology business clusters.

Jason Boakes, chairman of Secerna said: "The north east of England has a strong tradition of innovation in engineering and life sciences however we are now seeing growing levels of activity in other high-tech sectors including software, electronics and computing technologies.

"We have expanded rapidly since being established in 2011 and our growing team complements this technology mix very well. It therefore made sense for our next move to be expansion into the north east.

"We work closely with a number of established blue-chip technology clients. However, we are finding that our progressive outlook and commercial focus means we are well placed to assist many of the fast moving start-ups and SMEs who are increasingly playing a role in technological advancement and innovation in the north east.”

Secerna’s Newcastle office will be led by Dan Mercer, an attorney specialising in software, electronics and telecoms.

Mr Mercer will be regularly supported by other attorneys from the Secerna team including Charlotte Watkins, specialising in life sciences, and Adrian Sewell, specialising in mechanical engineering.

Secerna advises clients on how best to protect and exploit their intellectual property including patents, trade marks, designs and copyright.

As the business continues to grow, Secerna bosses say they plan is to expand their York and Newcastle offices to add further expertise across all technical sectors.