Language services provider thebigword, which operates globally, has been successful in patenting the technologies in both Europe and the United States for the proprietary processes underpinning its Highly Secure Translation Editor which connect its expert linguists to commercially sensitive work.

With information security a growing concern, the landmark awards are considered to be of huge value.

Chief technology officer at thebigword, Mark Clayton, said: "With the General Data Protection Regulation coming into effect in spring 2018 and the reality of significant fines for data breaches, these awards give confidence to our clients that we are passionate about protecting them and their valuable information.

“As well as strengthening our ability to tender successfully, these patents create a new barrier to entry into our specialist market whilst providing the potential to generate significant new licensing revenues in the future.”

Thebigword is thought to be the only language services provider in the world which has achieved patents for security and encryption tools.

Founder and chief executive of thebigword, Larry Gould, added: “Since releasing the latest version of our Highly Secure Translation Editor, we have won every rebid and every tender in the financial sector, where customer trust is paramount.

“How many laptops end up being sold on eBay or taken to household dumps with confidential or sensitive information on their hard drives?

“We see the introduction of GDPR as a big opportunity for thebigword and our market-leading technology, a position reinforced by the award of these patents.”

By holding these patents, the company has the right to stop other language services providers from using, making, offering for sale or selling the technology in the US and Europe.

As well as being largest interpreting services provider in Europe, thebigword is one of the top 20 language companies in the world, working with major government departments, plus blue-chip companies and brands globally.