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.

HMC and Murgitroyd’s Dublin offices will be “consolidated with no loss of jobs”, the firms said, and new investment will be made to support the future growth of the enlarged Dublin operation.

The acquisition adds specialist attorney technical expertise and develops Murgitroyd’s pan-European presence, which already comprises offices in the UK, Germany, Italy, Ireland, France, Switzerland and Finland.

Gordon Stark, CEO of Murgitroyd, said: “The addition of Hanna Moore + Curley 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.

“To meet emerging intellectual property demands and anticipate the challenges facing local, national and international clients, many of whom are at the leading edge in their fields, we are increasing the scale and depth of our technical knowledge and expertise and expanding our global footprint.

“Businesses, which utilise intellectual property as a strategic business asset benefit from proactive, informed and innovative advice to produce IP assets of enduring corporate value. This demands that we invest in high calibre talent, providing sector-leading technical knowledge whilst developing closer, strategic relationships with clients.

“HMC will strengthen our reach within Europe and our presence in the Far East – a region that continues to be of increasing interest to our clients – and brings on board a very talented team that will add specialist knowledge in the electronics, software and digital sectors.”

Barry Moore of Hanna, Moore + Curley 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.”