UK start-up Ensygnia has been granted its second patent in the UK, and laid down a marker to rivals on intellectual property.

The company now has patents in the UK covering both log-in and the payments process.

Ensygnia’s technology enables users to scan a QR code on a website with a smartphone as a means to authenticate a transaction.

The firm said it would work to defend its patent portfolio and that “one potential international competitor” had already withdrawn from the UK.

“We want to work with potential partners and even competitors but we will of course act to protect our interests,” said CEO and founder Richard Harris (pictured).

Harris said Ensygnia was more interested in licensing its technology than engaging in litigation but that it would “do what is necessary to protect our position and the interests of our shareholders such as Telefonica”.

The start-up is backed by Telefonica’s Wayra tech fund.

Harris also said the firm had now acted on its International Patent Pending status, filing applications in 59 countries, which were chosen for their level of internet and e-commerce usage.