One of Europe’s largest patent and trade mark attorneys has opened an office at science and technology site Discovery Park.

Dehns has grown to become one of the UK’s top intellectual property law firms since it was founded in 1920, with seven offices across Europe.

Its new office at the Sandwich business park will target start ups, small businesses and university spin-outs, all of which are common at the site.

Phillip Price, a patent attorney in Dehns’ biotech and life science group, said “We turn our clients’ ideas, inventions and brands into patents, trademarks and registered designs.

“With the right advice, these can become highly valuable commercial assets.

“We were impressed by the high level of innovation taking place at Discovery Park, as well as the strong professional networking groups serving Kent, such as BioGateway.

“The new lab space offered in Building 500 at Discovery Park holds huge potential for us.”

Anna Stone, leasing director at Discovery Park, said: “Dehns is a well-respected and established name in its field and we are delighted to welcome the company here.”