Our solutions /  Disputes

Oppositions and invalidation proceedings

Third parties may oppose the grant of patents and the registration of trademarks, and initiate administrative invalidation proceedings against already registered designs, trademarks and utility models. A successful opposition or invalidation will lead to the annulment or limitation of the exclusive right.
Timing and formalities play an important role in opposition proceedings as time limits are strict and formalities are complex. Solid legal knowledge and experience is therefore needed in all opposition proceedings against patent and trademark applications, and thorough technical knowledge is essential in oppositions against patent applications.  Designs and utility models cannot be opposed during the application procedure, however, invalidation procedures can be initiated after they have been registered. Administrative invalidation proceedings can also be used against already registered trademarks in most parts of the world.  We handle opposition and invalidation procedures in Finland and all around the world.  Settlement negotiations between the parties is a typical phase of the overall process, during the proceedings, and even before any administrative procedure is initiated. 
Contact
The client wishes to initiate proceedings against the other party's right or to defend itself against such a procedure.
Initial assessment
We assess the initial situation, the client's goals and how we propose to proceed. Information and material from the client is often needed for the procedure.
Preparation and the procedure at the administrative authorities
We prepare the necessary documents in cooperation with the client. We initiate proceedings at the relevant authority, keep the client updated on progress of the procedure and take necessary additional measures, until a decision is made by the relevant authority.

Pricing of oppositions and invalidations

The pricing is mainly based on time used in providing the service. Before starting the assignment, we will at request provide a price estimate based on the estimated number of hours required. 

Would you like to get a preliminary price estimate for a service that best meets your needs?

Please do not wait with your questions too long. Ask us for advice.

If you are concerned about anything, we are here for you. Pressing the button below you can see all our experts.
Timo Kuosmanen
European Patent Attorney, Patent Attorney
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Mia Niemelä
IP Specialist, administration and formalities
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Antti Pörhönen
Patent Attorney
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Boco IP - Petri Nieminen profiilikuva
Petri Nieminen
Consulting Director, Partner
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Boco IP:n toimitusjohtaja Karri Leskinen profiilikuva
Karri Leskinen
Managing Director, Partner
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Jonna Sahlin profiilikuva
Jonna Sahlin
European Patent Attorney, Chairman of the board, Partner
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Boco IP - Marja-Liisa Autti profiilikuva
Marja Liisa Autti
European Patent Attorney, Partner
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Timo Kuosmanen

European Patent Attorney, Patent Attorney

I have had a diverse and long career in the field of inventions. During my time as a patent attorney, I have been involved in numerous invention projects. In total, I have written nearly a thousand patent applications across various technologies. I am still easily excited by all kinds of new technical solutions, as well as by new customer contacts. One of the best aspects of my work is the client interaction and the continuous learning of new technologies. I am pleased to see that cooperation with inventors and clients often evolves into a partnership, where matters are handled through open and efficient collaboration.

I have always been fascinated by the opportunity to work with companies of various sizes and at different stages of development. This, along with the broad and diverse nature of technology, provides both a rich work experience and a great challenge for my growth as an expert.

I have gained extensive experience in various technologies, particularly in mobile work machines such as mining equipment, forestry machines, earth-moving equipment, lifting machines, and port vehicles. I also continue to focus on areas such as machine automation, hydraulics, process technology, conveyor systems, warehouse automation, construction materials, building technology, energy solutions, and all types of machines, devices, and mechanisms related to mechanical engineering and automation.

Patent law and the terminology used in the field can often be difficult to grasp. I believe I have the ability and the desire to use plain language, as well as a straightforward and practical approach when discussing matters with clients.

In addition to drafting patent applications and handling various procedural steps, I also conduct investigations and research, and provide strategic advice.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions—let's go through the situation together and consider the most sensible way to proceed.

I am a European patent attorney and a registered patent attorney in Finland. I have been employed by Boco IP since 2024.

Education
M.Sc. (engineering)
Languages
Finnish, Swedish, English
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Mia Niemelä

IP Specialist, administration and formalities

I am Mia Niemelä, the newest IP Specialist (IPSU) at Boco IP. I have previously worked in the IPR field for 16 years. However, I spent the last seven years working elsewhere, so there is much to both learn and refresh my memory on. Fortunately, I still retain a good amount of knowledge from what I learned before.

It is a pleasure and an honor to return to a field where there is always something new to learn, and the opportunities for growth are limitless.

In my free time, I spend a lot of time in nature, on sports fields, and at the gym. I am also a passionate traveler, having visited over 50 countries.

The best part of this field is the people who make our work community a pleasant place to grow and develop into an even stronger professional in the industry. My tasks at Boco include all customer correspondence, reporting, handling assignments, preparing and delivering documents to various parties, maintaining contact with foreign partners and patent offices, as well as monitoring deadlines and managing billing activities.

Education
Bachelor of Hospitality Management, Specialist Vocational Qualification of Foreign Trade, Further Vocational Qualification of Advertising
Languages
Finnish, Swedish, English
Activities
Exercise, Travelling
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Suvi Haavisto

IP Lawyer

Hello! I am assisting clients in diverse legal issues relating to intellectual property rights. Trademarks and brand protection are close to my heart, and I am also happy to assist in matters relating to commercial agreements and contract negotiations.

Prior to joining Boco IP, I worked as a senior legal counsel in a technology company. Before that, I have worked as an attorney-at-law focusing especially on trademark, design and copyright related matters. I am a licensed legal counsel authorized to represent clients in courts in Finland.

In my freetime, I love to spend time with family and friends. You can see me at cafés, movie theatres, museums, or walking by the seaside in Helsinki.

I joined Boco IP in 2024.

Education
M. Sc. in Economics and Business Administration (Hanken School of Economics), Master of Laws (University of Helsinki)
Languages
Finnish, English, Swedish
Activities
International Trademark Association (INTA), Finnish Association for Industrial Property Rights (STY), Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group (PTMG), Finnish IT Law Association
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Antti Pörhönen

Patent Attorney

I have handled patenting of mainly mechanical solutions in various fields of technology. Additionally, I conduct patentability searches and patent evaluations, and I also have experience with design applications. In my work, I value long-term cooperation with clients, striving to understand their business and relevant technologies. My background is in materials technology with a specialization in metallurgy and steels, and I have also worked in research and development as well as mechanical design of electrical machines. I have been working in the field of patents since 2021, and I am a registered patent attorney in Finland.

Education
M. Sc. (Tech.)
Languages
Finnish, Swedish, English, Italian, German
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Boco IP - Petri Nieminen profiilikuva

Petri Nieminen

Consulting Director, Partner

How can I help you! My job at Boco includes managing our consulting and training services. In my role as an expert, I do strategy consulting as an accredited Design IP Strategy expert, I also do market and competitor surveys, as well as training and workshop events. My special expertise is in valuing patents. I have previous work experience in consulting and management at Accenture and BEA Systems (now part of Oracle). In addition, as an entrepreneur and owner, I was involved in creating a new kind of commercialization service at Iprbox Oy, the business of which was acquired by Boco in 2008. Employed by Boco IP since then!

Education
ICT field in general, product development, sales and marketing
Languages
Finnish, English, Swedish, German
Activities
Accenture Alumni, BEA Systems Alumni, spending free time outdoors together with family
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Boco IP:n toimitusjohtaja Karri Leskinen profiilikuva

Karri Leskinen

Managing Director, Partner

Welcome to my page! How can I help?

I work at Boco IP as both CEO and patent attorney. As CEO, I want to help my colleagues succeed in their jobs and create a corporate culture where it is great to work. In my role as a patent attorney, I’m active in designing and implementing of clients' IPR strategies. With regard to assignments, I have focused especially on the handling of opposition cases in Finland and at the European Patent Office. I’m easily enthusiastic about everything related to the IP and I am happy to share this enthusiasm by lecturing and training new people in the IP field. In addition, I act as an expert in patent litigations, draft opinions and advise on patent law matters. I started at Boco IP in 2005, but I have been in the patent attorney since 1999. Feel free to contact me and let's talk more.

Education
M.Sc. (polymer chemistry, plant design)
Languages
Finnish, English, Swedish, German
Activities
Expert member of the Market Court, The Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys, FICPI, AIPPI, European Patent Institute, the Finnish Association for Industrial Property Rights, gym, golf, snowboarding, music, reading
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Jonna Sahlin profiilikuva

Jonna Sahlin

European Patent Attorney, Chairman of the board, Partner

I am happy to advise and assist in various matters related to intellectual property rights and strategy, especially in the fields of chemistry, process technology, medicine, and diagnostics. I like problem solving and interaction with customers and colleagues, and I think the best results are usually achieved when the cooperation works smoothly. I handle patenting of inventions both in Finland and internationally, and in addition to prosecution of applications, I, among other things, also draft oppositions, freedom-to-operate analyses, and statements on the interpretation of patents.

I have been employed by Boco IP since 1998 and, after various tasks over the years,  I nowadays mostly work with patent matters. Since 2017, I have represented Finland as a council member of the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi) and as a Finnish member of the epi's Professional Conduct Committee (PCC).

Education
M.Sc. (chemistry, food technology, polymer technology)
Languages
Swedish, Finnish, English, (German)
Activities
Expert member of the Market Court, European Patent Institute (epi, council member 2017-), Finnish Patent Attorneys Association (SPAY, chairman 2010-2013), active in co-operation with Nordic patent attorneys in the field of chemistry, AIPPI, FICPI, UNION, Finnish Association of Industrial Law (STY) and Finnish Chemists Society (SKS), swimming, running, downhill skiing, gardening
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Boco IP - Marja-Liisa Autti profiilikuva

Marja Liisa Autti

European Patent Attorney, Partner

I mainly deal with patenting in the fields of information technology, electronics and radio technology. The invention of many of the patent applications I have handled has been implemented as a computer program or software, but I am also no stranger to mechanical devices. In many cases, the inventions are combinations of devices and their control or processing of signals obtained therefrom. My job includes drafting patent applications, preparing office action reports and office action responses, handling opposition matters as well as performing novelty searches and technology mappings. I work as an authorized patent attorney, authorized by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office PRH. Prior to my career as a patent attorney, I gained 15 years of experience in patenting, IPR strategy and patent portfolio management in telecommunications field, as well as previous experience in research and development in the telecommunications and electronics industry. I have been employed by Boco IP since 2014.

Education
M.Sc. (electrical engineering: applied electronics, metrology, bioelectronics)
Languages
Finnish, English, Swedish
Activities
Orienteering, trail running, swimrun, geocaching, piano, gardening, genealogy
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Boco IP - Elina Heikkilä profiilikuva
Elina Heikkilä
IP-Lawyer, Partner
+358 9 6866 8415
elina.heikkila@bocoip.com
Boco IP - Jerry Härkönen profiilikuva
Jerry Härkönen
IP Advisor
+358 40 538 7223
jerry.harkonen@bocoip.com
Laura Roselus profiilikuva Boco IP
Laura Roselius
IP Lawyer, Partner
+358 40 738 4475
laura.roselius@bocoip.com
Peter Åkerlund
IP Lawyer, Partner
+358 9 6866 8413
peter.akerlund@bocoip.com
Sini-Maaria Mikkilä profiilikuva
Sini-Maaria Mikkilä
Chief Strategy Officer, European Patent Attorney, Partner
+358 50 591 0234
sini-maaria.mikkila@bocoip.com
Christian Westerholmin kuva, Boco IP
Christian Westerholm
European Patent Attorney, Partner
+358 9 6866 8469
christian.westerholm@bocoip.com
Boco IP:n toimitusjohtaja Karri Leskinen profiilikuva
Karri Leskinen
Managing Director, Partner
+358 40 067 7931
karri.leskinen@bocoip.com
Jonna Sahlin profiilikuva
Jonna Sahlin
European Patent Attorney, Chairman of the board, Partner
+358 40 536 1037
jonna.sahlin@bocoip.com
Boco IP - Marja-Liisa Autti profiilikuva
Marja Liisa Autti
European Patent Attorney, Partner
+ 358 9 6866 8495
marjaliisa.autti@bocoip.com