Christian Arkelius recognized as a Strategy 300 Global Leader 2022 by IAM

The IAM Strategy 300 showcases the top experts in the IP world – a recognition marking a professional whose approach to intellectual property is regarded as truly strategic in nature. Ström & Gulliksson’s, Christian Arkelius, recognized for the second time in IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders, says one of his greatest motivating factors is the trust shown by clients:
– I’ve always taken pride in my commitment to our clients and I take a stand for our clients’ businesses. For me, part of the motivation has always been and still is to be part of my client’s journey to reap strategic and competitive advantages – let it be through developing patent portfolios or gaining competitive advantages through patent litigation. 

For Christian Arkelius, European Patent Attorney and Head of Ström & Gulliksson’s office in Stockholm, it is the combination of several motivating incentives that is his driving force.
–  Besides the direct work for our clients, another motivation is to be a partner of this firm. Running a business as one of the firm’s partners and working in a field which is in the intersection of tech, law and business – which I enjoy, is also a big motivator for me.

Acknowledgements and top tier-rankings – a reflection of the whole team

A combination of wide-ranging experience of European patent law. An aim to build long-term, value-adding relationships with clients. And a teamwork characterised by a profound focus on the client. That is what shapes the winning concept and also the reasons why Ström & Gulliksson remains the top choice for many innovative companies all over the world.

– In recent years, we have received many accolades for our achievements. The “top tier” rankings is a proof not only of individual expertise and experience among our patent attorneys, it’s a recognition that reflects the work of the whole team at S&G, says Christian Arkelius and emphasizes that when representing a client the team at Ström & Gulliksson go above and beyond to deliver:

– Regardless of the professional role in the process, and whether you are a patent attorney, trainee, paralegal or administrative staff, we strive to enable the client to reap strategic and competitive advantages.

Alignment between corporate strategy and IP strategy is crucial

Christian Arkelius definition of a proactive IP-strategy is alignment.  
– This includes both the strategy itself but also the management and decision making which should come as no surprise!
Christian’s point of view is that the goals of any IP strategy should be:

• to help drive profits and expand revenue opportunities
• to minimise legal risks and dependencies towards third parties
• to position the company as a unique provider through a portfolio of enforceable IP rights
• to maximise the company’s return on investment to its shareholders
• to foster an increased valuation in view of the company’s financing and/or exit strategy.

– In other words, the goals of an IP strategy are to maximise assets and minimise liabilities. In my opinion, a creative and proactive IP-strategy calls for sound legal and technical knowledge. If you want your clients to stay ahead of their competition, you will need to understand their business and to be able to design the strategies by applying that sound legal and technical knowledge to their context.

Increased understanding of patent as a competitive advantage

With nearly 20 years of experience of being a patent attorney the lessons learned for Christian Arkelius are many and complex. But also – straightforward and easy to grasp.
– Business is made between humans, not companies! This is also why I try to live after the following principles: focus on timely and efficient communication, maintain a positive attitude, acknowledge my clients as individuals, share knowledge, be open about my opinions and exceed expectations.

With experience covering both contentious and non-contentious patent matters Christian and the rest of the team at Ström & Gulliksson meet companies that operate in different fields.

– I think that more and more companies in general begin to understand the power of patents, that is that the patent can be enablers, or building blocks, for realizing a certain strategy. For example, recently a colleague of mine and I sat down with a small tech start up and it didn’t ask us the common questions of “is this idea patentable?”, “would you think that this idea is inventive?”. Instead, they said “how would you advise us to shape our business model if we use patents or soft IP cleverly?”. The mere question made me very happy, because this is exactly how I would like clients to think about patents. Not just as legal rights, but as building blocks or enablers to gain strategic or competitive advantages for the client.

The IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders 2022
Since its inception the IAM Strategy 300 has showcased the top experts in the IP world. It is the only resource of its kind acknowledging leaders from across from in-house, private practice and service provider roles. A slot in the 300 is the mark of a professional whose approach to intellectual property is regarded by peers as truly strategic in nature. The IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders guide draws from the worlds of private practice, consulting and other service providers, with specialists from the major IP markets in North America, Europe and Asia. Together they possess a wealth of expertise across disciplines and sectors. Strategy 300 Global Leaders – all individuals.