New Patent Consultants at Ström & Gulliksson
Thinking outside the box. Associating with innovation-driven companies. Using both engineering and language skills. And above all, working side by side with experienced European Patent Attorneys. Challenging opportunities, variation and a clear path to becoming a top patent consultant attracted newly hired engineers Christian Gribel, Ida Moen Larsson and Georg Wolgast to Ström & Gulliksson.
They are all aware of how demanding the role of patent consultant can be, and a skilled patent consultant needs to command not only a high level of technological expertise, but also language skills and an interest in the law.
“We are all outgoing individuals interested in communicating with others. Personally, I love to compete, and this drives me in everything I do,” says Ida Moen Larsson.
She came into contact with the firm during the ARKAD career fair for engineering students at the University of Lund.
“Ström & Gulliksson catalogue had already caught my attention in the catalogue, and at the career fair I got to meet representatives who could answer my questions,” says Ida.
When Ström & Gulliksson is recruiting, representatives of the firm make a point of telling applicants about the supportive mentoring program and range of specialization teams, which foster personal development. The partnership between the patent firm and law firm Gulliksson added to the interest.
“The more experienced consultants give us a lot of their time and share their experience. I have more or less daily contact with my mentor and my boss, and they have been actively involved in my training,” says Georg Wolgast.
Newly hired engineers at Ström & Gulliksson get all the training they need to become top patent consultants. Christian Gribel agrees that there is a strong focus on training and ongoing knowledge sharing.
“It is a clear priority that we focus on learning, and we do this by taking courses and assisting those who are more experienced. After being previously employed in Denmark, it is a new experience to work in a less hierarchical and more flexible organization with the firm’s board and CEO within reach,” says Christian.
Georg attended a lecture that drew his attention to the opportunity to apply for the position of patent consultant.
“At an entrepreneurship course at the Lund University Faculty of Engineering (LTH), a patent consultant gave a lecture with such enthusiasm that it made an impression on me. When I gave it some serious thought after graduating, I realized that becoming a patent consultant would enable me to explore a number of fields and types of businesses. Sometimes the simple, small solutions are the ones that make all the difference. The creative work that is required in patent litigation also appeals to me.”
Ida and Christian agree that argumentation and the art of persuasion are challenging aspects of their work.
“The fact that one small detail can be absolutely decisive requires that I consider every single detail to build my case. As a patent consultant, I have to constantly supplement my knowledge and skills and stay up to date on everything from terminology to technical details,” says Christian.
Startup passion is contagious
Ström & Gulliksson takes on assignments and clients from a wide variety of fields of technology varying in size from startups to international groups of companies.
“As a patent consultant with Ström & Gulliksson, I get to interact with a wide range of startups and established companies. For me, the small companies are most exciting, the ones who have held on to ideas for several years and for whom the patent is absolutely critical,” says Christian.
Both Ida and Georg agree that the passion of the startups is contagious.
“Everyone who works here wants to be part of making a difference, regardless of company size. I long for the moment I am sitting with a client and realize that they have invented or developed something totally pioneering and revolutionary. Imagine being able to contribute to a groundbreaking invention. That would be so amazing,” says Ida.
Magnus Berglund, Partner and European Patent Attorney, on the recruits:
“Hiring engineering graduates such as Ida and Georg fresh out of university is an investment in the future. They may be inexperienced in terms of patents, but we are convinced that the skills they already possess along with their personal ambition will help them grow into highly skilled patent attorneys at Ström & Gulliksson. Christian has employment experience in both Sweden and Denmark. He brings a business way of thinking that we value. Our recruitment process evaluates both technical skills and business-mindedness, ensuring that all new hires strengthen our team on many levels here at Ström & Gulliksson.”