Versarien (LON:VRS) revealed it has been granted US patent protection for its volume graphene platelet production process.
It adds to existing patent protection for the graphene production process that had already been granted in Europe.
Versarien told investors it expects North America to become a key graphene market and therefore patent protection is an important step for the company.
The company says its process for producing graphene, a nanocarbon with “exceptional” physical and electronic properties, offers numerous advantages over the conventional graphene manufacturing solutions.
It can allow accelerated commercialisation of products containing graphene, Versarien added.
"We are delighted to have secured a patent in the largest of the global markets which will allow us to accelerate the development of commercial applications for graphene and graphene products,” said chief executive Neill Ricketts.
“Following the granting of the patent we intend to increase our marketing activities in the US and progress discussions with potential clients there."
2D-Tech, Versarien’s graphene subsidiary, is already working with a number of North American clients including those in military, medical and consumer products. These clients require access to high quality, cost effective graphene, it added.