June 2026
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Welcome to SynchZipped
 
I am pleased to share this year's second edition of SynchZipped. It has been a busy and rewarding period, with a strong momentum across the firm.
 
Our team's expertise continues to be recognised where it matters. Synch retained its rankings in IAM Patent 1000 2026 across both Transactions and Litigation work. And we're especially proud to see Sara Sparring, Mathilda Nordmark, and My Janse individually recognised — with My entering the rankings as a Next Generation lawyer. These honours reflect the depth and dedication behind our IP and patent practice.
 
This spring also saw the launch of Synch Embedded, our managed legal services offering led by Sara Edlund (who joined Synch at the beginning of the year) designed to integrate legal support more closely with how businesses actually operate. It's a model built for continuous decision-making rather than matter-by-matter advice — and an approach we believe reflects where legal services are heading.
 
We were also glad to deepen our work in compliance and innovation through a new exciting partnership with Draftit where we will combine our advisory services with Draftit's platform. Furthermore, we continue to keep our community informed through the ZeroGravity Weekly Brief, our concise summary of the latest regulatory developments across the EU and Sweden.

Add to that inspiring days at IAPP AI Governance Global in Dublin, the INTA Annual Meeting in London, and a memorable summer party at Rosendals Värdshus, and it's clear how much energy runs through the firm right now.

AGRD continued its Nordic expansion, welcoming Moll Wendén in southern Sweden and BBA//Fjeldco in Iceland to the network. The launch of the AGRD Legal Tech Term marks another step forward, preparing the next generation of lawyers for an industry increasingly shaped by AI and technology.
 
As we look ahead, there's plenty more in the pipeline and I look forward to sharing that with you right after the summer break.

Thank you to our clients, partners, and friends for your continued trust and collaboration — we're glad to have you with us.
 
Enjoy your reading!
 
Warm regards,
Jim
 
 
Synch Recognitions
 
Synch strengthens its position in Patent Law – recognised in IAM Patent 1000 2026
 
 
Synch has been recognised in IAM Patent 1000 2026, maintaining its rankings in both Transactions and Litigation. The firm also celebrates three individually recognised lawyers: Sara Sparring, Mathilda Nordmark and My Janse first time entering the rankings as a Next Generation lawyer. The rankings highlight Synch’s expertise in patent disputes, IP transactions and strategic advice across industries.

Read more here
 
Introducing Synch Embedded: legal support designed for how businesses operate
 
 

This spring, Synch launched Synch Embedded, a managed legal services offering for companies with ongoing legal needs. Designed to integrate legal support more closely with business operations, it combines continuous legal capacity, senior expertise and practical execution to help organisations make faster decisions, manage risk and handle recurring legal work efficiently.

Read the full article here

Check Synch Embedded
 
Thought Leadership
 
To Patent or Not to Patent – What Questions Should You Ask Yourself?
 
 
Patenting can be a powerful tool for securing competitive advantage, attracting investment and creating licensing opportunities, but it is not always the right strategy. Before filing a patent application, companies should assess their commercial objectives, industry dynamics, enforcement costs and the practical value of exclusivity in their market.
 
The article highlights that patent protection requires significant investment, not only in obtaining patents but also in defending and enforcing them. Businesses should also consider alternatives such as trade secrets, particularly where confidentiality can provide a longer-lasting or more cost-effective advantage.
 
A successful patent strategy requires balancing legal protection, commercial goals and market realities. The right approach will depend on the nature of the innovation, the competitive landscape and the company's long-term business objectives.

Read more here
 
FinTech: Why the winners are those who understand regulation first
 
 
FinTech businesses operate at the intersection of technology, finance and regulation, making legal and regulatory considerations a core part of their business model rather than a separate compliance exercise. As the sector evolves, success increasingly depends on understanding licensing requirements, data protection, operational resilience and consumer protection from the outset.
 
The article highlights key regulatory frameworks affecting FinTech companies, including PSD2, MiFID II, MiCA, GDPR and DORA, and explores how issues such as outsourcing, AI, open finance and cybersecurity are reshaping the industry. It also emphasises that legal compliance can be a source of competitive advantage, helping businesses build trust, scale sustainably and navigate regulatory scrutiny.
 
As FinTech matures, the companies best positioned for growth are those that integrate legal, technical and commercial decision-making early, treating regulation not as an obstacle but as an enabler of long-term success.

Read more here
Why Legal Operating Models Are Under Increasing Pressure
 
 
As businesses become faster, more interconnected and increasingly driven by AI and automation, many legal and governance functions are struggling to keep pace. While operational workflows now run continuously across teams, systems and stakeholders, legal support often remains organised around fragmented requests, specialist escalation and matter-by-matter advice.
 
The article argues that governance is no longer a separate control function operating alongside the business. Instead, it has become embedded within core operational activities such as product development, procurement, cybersecurity, customer onboarding and regulatory compliance. This shift is exposing structural limitations in traditional legal operating models and creating pressure for more integrated ways of working.
 
Looking ahead, the organisations best positioned for success will not simply adopt new technologies, but redesign how legal and governance functions operate. Stronger models will integrate governance earlier, improve coordination across functions and support continuous decision-making, enabling legal teams to create value within the flow of business execution rather than reacting after the fact.

Read more here 
Do You Offer or Mediate Credit to Consumers?Your Company May Soon Be Subject to New Supervision
 
 
New rules under Sweden’s Consumer Credit Act will take effect on 20 November 2026, bringing more businesses under regulatory oversight. Retailers, e-commerce companies and intermediaries that offer or arrange consumer credit may face new licensing, training and compliance requirements.
 
The changes implement the EU’s revised Consumer Credit Directive (CCD2) and introduce stricter affordability assessments and consumer protection standards. Businesses should assess their obligations and begin preparing ahead of the implementation date.

Read more here 
 
AGRD
 
Two New Firms
 
We are pleased to welcome Moll Wendén, our newest member in southern Sweden, to the AGRD network of business law firms.
 
Moll Wendén is a leading business law firm with deep expertise across a broad range of practice areas, combined with a strong commitment to innovation, legal tech, and international collaboration.
AGRD Partners continues its Nordic expansion with the addition of BBA//Fjeldco, our newest partner in Iceland.

BBA//Fjeldco is a highly regarded Icelandic business law firm with strong expertise in transactional legal advice and extensive international experience, further strengthening our presence across the Nordic region.
Legal Tech Term
 
Play movie
AGRD has launched the AGRD Legal Tech Term, an independent and supplementary legal AI programme designed to prepare law students for the future of legal services.
 
As legal tech continues to reshape the industry, the programme aims to bridge the gap between traditional legal education and the practical AI and technology skills increasingly demanded by the profession.
 
The future of law starts with the next generation.
 
Read More Here 
 
Client Case Study
 
"Synch has been  genuinely pragmatic, responsive partner from day one." Philip Lilja, CEO Hydda.

As Hydda expanded across Europe, having legal support that could move at the pace of the business became increasingly important.

We are proud to support ambitious companies like Hydda with practical, business-focused legal advice that helps keep things moving.

Read the full case study here
 
Recent client cases update from Synch
 
 
 
Synch Advises Verb Ventures in Ofiniti’s $6.8 Million Growth Financing Round


Read more here 
Synch has advised Insomnia Music Fund AB on capital raise of approximately SEK 152 million.

Read more here 
Synch has advised Mohoto Holding AB in connection with the offer to Time Trend A/S to invest in North Republic Holding AB and to further develop the GANT trademark for watches and jewellery.

Read more here
Synch has advised TRY in its acquisition of ABBY.WORLD


Read more here 
 
Synch Partnership
Play movie
Synch entered into a new partnership with Draftit
 
 

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Draftit, combining legal advisory services with a leading digital compliance platform to help organisations navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Together, we will support organisations in turning regulatory requirements into effective, practical ways of working.
 
Read More Here 
 
ZeroGravity
 
 
ZeroGravity Weekly Brief
 
 
ZeroGravity Weekly Brief is our curated summary of the latest regulatory developments across the EU and Sweden.
 
Each week, we bring you a clear and concise overview of what matters most within GDPR, the AI Act, NIS2, DORA, the Data Act, DSA and DMA—helping you stay informed and ahead in a fast-moving landscape.
 
If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s a good time—you’ll find it both on our website and on our LinkedIn page.
 
Synch Snapshots
Synch joined this year's IAPP AI Governance Global Europe in Dublin.
Erica Antonovic and Elisavet Dravalou Samor spent inspiring days connecting with legal, privacy, and AI governance professionals while exploring some of the most pressing questions surrounding agentic AI, risk-based oversight, and the future of responsible AI deployment.
A key takeaway from the event was that AI governance is rapidly moving from policy to practice. Discussions focused on how organisations can embed accountability, oversight, and control directly into AI systems as autonomous technologies become increasingly capable and complex.
Thank you to everyone we met in Dublin. IAPP AI Governance Global Europe continues to be a valuable platform for collaboration, innovation, and shaping the future of AI governance.
Synch attended this year's INTA Annual Meeting in London.
 
Mathilda Nordmark, Sara Sparring, and Kristin Tell spent several inspiring days connecting with leading law firms, IP professionals, and international partners from around the world. The event offered valuable discussions on intellectual property, AI, legal innovation, and the future of legal services.
 
One of the strongest takeaways was the importance of trusted international relationships. From strengthening cross-border connections and exchanging expertise to exploring new perspectives on AI, IP, alternative pricing models, and legal innovation, the week highlighted the value of collaboration in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
 
Thank you to everyone we met. INTA Annual Meeting continues to be an important platform for knowledge sharing, international collaboration, and building lasting relationships across the global legal community.
Synch participated in this year's Almedalsveckan (Almedalen Week), Sweden's leading forum for democratic dialogue, where politicians, businesses, and civil society come together to discuss the country's most pressing issues.
Our CEO, Jim Runsten, took part in a panel hosted by Dataspelsbranschen (the Swedish Games Industry Association) on the theme "From Sweden to the world: Will the global market remain open to game developers in the future?"
The discussion explored the growing compliance challenges facing small and medium-sized game studios as they navigate an increasingly complex landscape of Swedish, European, and global regulation. A key takeaway was that these challenges extend far beyond the gaming industry and are highly relevant for any business expanding internationally from day one.
Thank you to Dataspelsbranschen for hosting an engaging discussion on an increasingly important topic.
 
Synch Summer Party
 
 
A few weeks ago, we brought the whole team together for Synch's annual summer party.
The evening began with a gathering at the AGRD office before we headed to Rosendals Värdshus for a night of great food, conversations, and celebration. It was a chance to step away from our daily work, connect across teams, and enjoy time together outside the office.
 
With colleagues from across the firm in one place, the evening was filled with laughter, new conversations, and plenty of memorable moments.
 
A great reminder that strong teams are built not only through collaboration at work, but also through the relationships and shared experiences that bring us together.
 
Let’s keep connected!
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