INTELLECTUAL property specialist Marks & Clerk today (April 5) hailed the country’s digital technology industry welcoming the recent news that the sector has enjoyed “sustained growth” in 2016.

Their comments came as researchers from the digital technologies trade body, ScotlandIS, revealed that 7 out of 10 digital tech companies had reported an increase in sales in 2016 – with 82 per cent predicting that sales will increase in 2017.

David Murray, Associate from Marks & Clerk’s Glasgow Office said that companies like Edinburgh-headquartered Skyscanner – who were bought by Ctrip (China’s biggest online travel firm) in November last year in a deal worth around £1.4bn – is just one example of the strength of Scotland’s digital tech industry.

He said: “We are working with clients operating at the leading edge of the tech sector, advising designers, engineers and developers on how to protect their innovation as they look to develop their products and grow their businesses.

“Some are student spin-outs straight from university, whilst others are companies which are fully up and running and already turning a profit but are at the point where they are looking to take the next step in their evolution as a business and make a real impact.

“We are continually impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm – they are very well drilled and informed, they know what they are talking about and how to deliver on it. The sector promises an exciting future.”

Marks & Clerk is a gold sponsor for the upcoming EIE17 (Engage Invest Exploit) event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in May.