Cline Scientific – Patent paves the way for continued success

An invention with a wide range of applications where the technical platform will be immensely important for diagnosing diseases such as cancer. Right from the start the Gothenburg-based company Cline Scientific has invested in a strong patent strategy. Their nanotechnology, which, in simple terms, is used as a platform with which to control and influence how human cells function in the laboratory, is now patented.
“They are extremely exciting clients to work with, because their patented nanotechnology offers new solutions to previously intractable problems”, says Magnus Berglund, who in addition to seeing the basic patent to completion has been involved in two practical implementations so far and is following the company’s work with interest.

“As a patent consultant it’s satisfying to engage with Cline’s expertise, as it makes it easier to properly describe their invention in the application, and also to present strong technical arguments if the patent examiner misunderstands the technology” says Magnus, and explains that in his roleas patent consultant he was asked to help when the moment came for Cline to undergo due diligence.

“A company’s estimated value is often closely related to its actual or its anticipated patent portfolio. In addition to looking at existing patents and having their value verified by an external expert, as Cline’s patent attorney I can also give my opinion and expectations for ongoing application processes and future applications.”

“Cline Scientific’s unique patented technology is used to develop cell-based products and processes to take life science projects up to the clinical phase and beyond. This development is founded on advanced cancer technology and stem cell therapies – and those are exactly the areas where our development projects are currently underway”, say Patrik Sundh, CEO, and Hanne Evenbratt, Vice President, Research & Development.

“We’re collaborating with both pharmaceutical companies and research institutes. With our technology, it will be possible to use stem cells in a safe way to cure serious diseases. The technology can also be used for diagnostic purposes to measure cancer tumours’ ability to spread, and in the longer term to evaluate the effect of drugs which inhibit that ability” says Hanne.

“We have pursued patents and a strong patent strategy as a matter of course”, says Patrik Sundh, who was quick to understand the value of continued funding.

“There are really two reasons. One is that inventions are often positioned close to one another and it is not unthinkable that another company might get a bit too close. The second is that as a life science R&D company we will want to be able to license and resell, so the value really is in our unique invention – and it has to be protected throughout the entire development process and commercialisation”, says Patrik.

“We are in a preclinical phase, our basic technology is protected, and now we have two major projects we are working on where we have submitted applications for product patents.”

Long-term ventures take guts and determination

What at first felt like a sweeping patent strategy has proved very useful, and it is now the company’s strategy of choice and has brought it success.

“In life science, you get used to things taking time. There are so many laws, regulations, and authorisations to comply with. Investors sometimes have a hard time grasping it all, so it’s important to explain things and show them your progress as you go”, says Patrik.

For Hanne is the structuredness of the approach, being able to see that each and every step, large or small, is a step in the right direction.

“Our research is always ongoing, which drives what we’re developing and the company as a whole steadily forward. Step by step, we’re working to a clear plan. There is also the peace of mind of having properly protected our platform technology. That’s crucial. We are strongly committed, pouring our hearts and skills into it, because we know what the end goal could be. That’s where I find my strength in the busy periods”, says Hanne, who today is development manager at Cline Scientific.

Close, solid collaboration with the team from Ström & Gulliksson

It is clear Cline Scientific has great confidence in Ström & Gulliksson. Over the years their collaboration has blossomed and the teams at Cline Scientific and their patent firm have got to know one another well. At Cline Scientific, it is Hanne with her colleague Victoria Bicknell who are the contacts for the technical work at a detailed level, and Patrik who deals with the broader, strategic issues.

“In a small company like ours everyone is involved, and we all work closely together on everything”, says Patrik, who says he appreciates that the same is true of Ström & Gulliksson and the team they work with there.

“There’s a strong team around Magnus who are involved and are contributing to our progress. We have such confidence in Magnus, and our collaboration also includes Ida Moen Larsson and Madeleine Skulis, who are our contacts on various questions.”

“Our collaboration feels really solid and stable. We can trust them to solve everything and keep track of the things we have to follow up on. I especially appreciate Madeleine keeping such a close eye on all the important administrative details. As a paralegal she keeps track of everything and provides fast, reliable service, which saves me time. And we can always openly discuss technical matters with Magnus and Ida”, says Hanne.

Patrik has three tips for start-ups that are about to choose a patent agency: pick the right consultant, pick your direction at the start, and work on your plan.

“In the end it comes down to personal chemistry, and if you’re unsure, get references and ask. What’s important is having an interested, knowledgeable team who not only make your case, but also keep an eye on all the details. Ask the patent agency to draw up a realistic plan, tell you how long the various steps should take, and estimate what it might all cost in the end, so you can factor that in and be properly prepared when looking for investors and financing for your continued development.”

The team at Ström & Gulliksson 
Magnus Berglund
Ida Moen Larsson
Madeleine Skulis

The team at Cline Scientific
Patrik Sundh, President, CEO, Board Member and Co-Founder
Hanne Evenbratt, PhD, Vice President, Research & Development
Håkan Bengtsson, Chief Financial Officer
Reza Mobini, Assoc Prof, Manager Product Development – Diagnostics
Victoria Bicknell, Project Manager 

More about Cline Scientific 
Have a look at a video of Cline Scientific’s patented technology!