In 2025, Advokatbyrån Gulliksson and Ström & Gulliksson proudly celebrate 50 years of successfully shaping and supporting innovation. Since 1975, the companies have been dedicated to protecting ideas, driving commercialization, and providing strategic advice to businesses, entrepreneurs, creators, and partners. Christina Cedergren (daughter of the late Tore Ström and former HR manager for 22 years) and Jonas Gulliksson tell the story of how it all began—a tale of both friendship, differences, and the courage to invest in a shared vision.
During his law studies in Lund, Jonas Gulliksson became particularly interested in civil law, and it was within intellectual property law that he found his passion: “Intellectual property law attracted me because it was one of the few areas of law that is truly international,” says Jonas, recounting the influence of Docent Lars Holmqvist, a multilingual and experienced lawyer with a background from Awapatent and his own firm, who inspired him with his knowledge and practical experience.
This led Jonas to apply for a position as an associate lawyer with Lars, which marked the beginning of his career in intellectual property law—a dynamic and international legal field.
The meeting between Tore Ström and Jonas Gulliksson
At Lars Holmqvist’s firm, Jonas met Tore Valdemar Ström, the head of patents, a man with a strong voice and sharp intellect. Despite their different personalities, they became close friends. Their walks by the harbor were filled with conversations about common interests and future visions, which laid the foundation for their future collaboration.
The idea of Ström & Gulliksson is born
In the summer of 1975, while Jonas was considering starting his own law firm, Tore had already been running his own patent firm for 1.5 years.
Christina Cedergren, daughter of co-founder Tore Ström, recalls the very early days before Tore and Jonas became partners:
“The firm started in our home’s family room in 1974. It was a simple but cozy environment, complete with an open fireplace. Tore converted the family room into an office and hired a secretary—a very early example of a home office. The entrance was at the garage driveway, where clients came for their meetings. During client meetings, my mother would cook lunch, which was served under the cherry trees in the garden.”
Tore offered pure patent services and had several prominent clients from the start. His enthusiasm and commitment to patent work were evident.
Christina recalls:
“Tore always had a close relationship with his clients and was known for his love of innovation. He was fascinated by technology, whether it was airplanes or simple household appliances. My first role was to manage the mail and run errands. Tore, with his meticulousness, would often stand over my shoulder as I put stamps on letters. I, as a daughter, became somewhat irritated because it felt like he could just do it himself!”
The following year, when Tore suggested to Jonas that they become partners and combine their expertise in patents and law, Jonas took a night to think it over. He accepted the offer, and planning for their joint business quickly took off.
Ström & Gulliksson is founded
In September 1975, Ström & Gulliksson AB was registered. With Tore as chairman and Jonas as CEO, they started the business. Tore already had a strong client base with about sixty clients. Jonas’s first major client was Skandinavisk Press AB. The company grew quickly, and by 1984, they moved to the NK building in Malmö. The following year, the firm had 18 employees, including patent engineers, lawyers, and administrative staff.
Christina shares:
“The firm grew organically, and in the early years, it was often difficult to keep up with hiring as the number of assignments increased. Tore and Jonas complemented each other: Tore was methodical and thoughtful, while Jonas was driven by development and progress.”
In the first offices on Rundelsgatan in Malmö, Jonas and Tore had their offices at opposite ends of the building and would often give talks to staff during coffee breaks. Their lively discussions were marked by humor and respect, even though they sometimes resembled a battle of wits. Their friendship strengthened over the years, and their families became close friends. Tore used to say that he and Jonas represented the first and second chambers of the Swedish parliament—a reflection of their dynamic collaboration.
Clients and international partnerships
The first 150 clients were made up of 70% Swedish companies, many of whom were one-off clients. However, some recurring clients included major names such as Höganäs AB, Kockum AB, Perstorp AB, and Åkerlund & Rausing. The combination of patents and law proved to be a successful recipe, which laid the foundation for continued growth.
A key part of the firm’s early success was establishing international connections. Tore and Jonas traveled frequently to international conferences, often accompanied by their wives to take part in the social programs. This laid the groundwork for strong professional relationships and long-term collaborations. Partnerships, close contact with agents worldwide, and an international presence are hallmarks of the firms even today.
From vision to reality
Jonas and Tore didn’t just build a firm—they created a culture that lives on, according to Christina, who served as HR manager for many years. The founders’ early vision continues to be reflected in Ström & Gulliksson and Advokatbyrån Gulliksson’s joint offerings and work environment:
“Their vision was clear from the start: to offer a complete package where technical patent expertise and law were equally strong pillars. As they used to say, the goal was to take care of the client ‘from A to Z’. But it’s more than that which has endured in the companies, not least the familial spirit, where employees and clients are always treated with respect and care. They saw it as their life’s work to nurture the firm and its employees. During my many years as HR manager, it wasn’t uncommon for former employees to return after trying other workplaces. The company’s core has always been about genuinely caring—for both clients and colleagues.”
Jonas Gulliksson remembers his friend and partner with warmth and humor and reflects on their journey together with pride and gratitude:
“My years with Tore were the most enjoyable of my professional life. I miss him and his humor. Our work didn’t just build a company—it also built strong bonds between us and our employees. It’s with great joy that I get to experience the companies’ 50th anniversary.”
Gulliksson celebrates its 50th anniversary
Take part in glimpses and highlights from our journey from the start in 1975 to today!
