Mark Jolink

Since 2010, I have been working as a patent attorney at EP&C. With a background in bioprocess technology and a PhD in innovation management, I combine deep technical expertise with strategic insight. This allows me to look beyond the technology itself and focus on the commercial value, investability, and growth potential of an innovation.

My expertise lies in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and food technology. I advise clients on a wide range of topics, including antibodies, therapeutic proteins, virology, vaccines, cell and gene therapy, probiotics, microbiome technologies, and supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) for medicinal products.

I help companies build strong patent portfolios and develop IP strategies that support their broader business objectives. In doing so, I ensure that intellectual property is not treated as a standalone asset, but as a strategic tool that contributes to product development, fundraising, partnerships, and successful market entry.

My work often involves complex innovations with significant commercial impact. Examples include novel therapeutic targets, platform technologies, bacterial strains, formulations, medical applications, manufacturing processes, and lifecycle management strategies. In these projects, I continuously strive to find the optimal balance between robust legal protection and commercial effectiveness.

I work with startups, scale-ups, and established organizations. Within accelerator programs, I frequently support startups by helping entrepreneurs use intellectual property in a way that is accessible, practical, and strategically aligned with investors' and partners' expectations. For larger organizations, I focus on portfolio development, freedom-to-operate analyses, commercial exclusivity, and the protection of product candidates and platform technologies.

What motivates me most is identifying the true essence of an innovation. What makes a technology unique? Where does its real value lie? And how can we ensure that value remains sustainably protected? By connecting technology, strategy, and commercial objectives, I help companies transform innovation into growth, impact, and a strong market position.

Our goal isn’t just about safeguarding ideas; it’s about empowering inventors to bring their visions to life