Murgitroyd, the European patent and trademark attorney practice, yesterday confirmed that trading for the second half of the financial year has kept the Scottish Alternative Investment Market-listed business on track to meet market expectations.

Murgitroyd, the European patent and trademark attorney practice, yesterday confirmed that trading for the second half of the financial year has kept the Scottish Alternative Investment Market-listed business on track to meet market expectations.

It said the financial year just ended had been one of consolidation and the group remained well placed to continue its development.

The integration of Kennedys Patent Agency, acquired in February, was now complete and all staff who joined Murgitroyd as part of the acquisition remained with the group.

The new financial year, which would see Murgitroyd benefit from a full-year effect of the acquisition, had begun "encouragingly" and additional attorneys continued to be recruited into the practice, growing fee-earning capacity.

Murgitroyd, under chief executive Keith Young, said it was also pleased to announce its appointment as patent and trademark attorney to Ancon Building Products, a Sheffield-based designer and manufacturer of high integrity steel products for the construction industry.

"This appointment comes after a competitive tender process."

The annual report of the European Patent Office, published last month, showed the number of applications for European patents grew by 3.6% in 2007, while Community Trade Mark applications were 13.9% higher.

Murgitroyd operates 12 offices in eight countries, most recently opening in Milan.