Panel: Patents in Protein Engineering: What Researchers Need to Know
As protein engineering and synthetic biology continue to accelerate, intellectual property plays an increasingly important role in translating discoveries from the lab into real-world applications. But how do patents actually work in this space? What should researchers consider before publishing or commercialising their work?
Join us for a panel discussion exploring the fundamentals of patents in biotechnology and protein engineering. We’ll cover how intellectual property shapes innovation in synbio, the process of protecting scientific discoveries, and the practical considerations researchers, founders, and students should keep in mind when developing new technologies.
The panel will feature Sara Holland, Patent Attorney at Clarkson, alongside experts from the synthetic biology and innovation ecosystem. Together, they will share insights into patent strategy, common misconceptions, and how intellectual property intersects with academic research, startups, and industry.
Whether you’re a researcher, founder, or simply curious about how biotech innovations are protected and brought to market, this session will provide a valuable introduction to the world of patents in protein engineering.
About Dr Sara Holland
Sara Holland is a Partner and Patent Attorney at Potter Clarkson, where she specialises in intellectual property for biotechnology and synthetic biology. She works closely with early-stage, scientist-founded companies to identify and protect their innovations, develop IP strategies, and support them as they grow and secure investment.
Sara originally trained as a scientist, completing a degree in Biochemistry and Genetics, followed by a PhD focused on engineering artificial yeast chromosomes. She then spent several years as a postdoctoral researcher in yeast molecular biology before moving into intellectual property.
Today, she works with companies, universities, and investors across the biotech sector, helping translate scientific discoveries into protected technologies and commercial opportunities. Sara is also active in the engineering biology community and regularly contributes to initiatives that support innovation and entrepreneurship in the field.
About Adam Swetloff
Adam Swetloff is a Technology Transfer Manager at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne), where he works at the interface of academic research, intellectual property, and commercialisation. He supports researchers in translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications by managing patenting strategies, licensing, and industry partnerships.
With experience in technology transfer and innovation management, Adam advises on how to protect and develop research outputs, helping bridge the gap between fundamental science and market impact. His work spans a range of fields, including biotechnology and engineering, with a focus on enabling successful knowledge transfer from academia to industry.