A TEAM of York trade mark specialists is working to protect ideas and inventions across the world.

Based at Clifton Moor, the team of four at Branded keep abreast of changes in trade mark law in overseas territories so it can advise its clients of opportunities for safer and better intellectual property protection.

This advice brings clients of Branded opportunities in new markets, and as such Branded is exporting its services, leading to it entering this year's Dare to Export award.

Branded has always advised its clients to protect their trade marks in all countries where they are using them.

This policy has meant that, over the years, many have filed in the Community Trade Marks Office in Alicante, and in countries around the world from Asia to Africa and America.

In turn, this export trade has helped to develop and grow the Branded business in York.

Branded managing director Carin Burchell said: "The registration of trade marks is a truly international business as it is possible to protect trade marks in more than 200 countries around the world, and Branded has relationships with attorneys in most of them.

"There is therefore certainly potential for further global reach of the business of Branded."

Branded has had to spend years developing and fine-tuning relationships with attorneys in other jurisdictions. This has involved not only understanding local trade mark laws and practice but often also the local cultural differences.

Ms Burchell added: "Tact and diplomacy are essential to success in exports to other countries.

"Branded has always punched above its weight and has a reputation in many countries around the world.

"Not bad for a virtual internet business based in York."