Our solutions /  Applying for and registering protection

Utility model

The utility model typically protects the so-called small inventions and device improvements, as it is able to protect technical ideas and solutions that do not maintain the level of patentability.
A utility model provides the right to prohibit others from making professional use of a technical, industrially available invention. The utility model typically protects the so-called small inventions and device improvements, as it is able to protect technical ideas and solutions that do not maintain the level of patentability. Unlike patents,  utility models cannot protect a method or use, but  they offer, in principle, the same type/level? of protection as  patents. Granting a utility model is much faster than registering a patent. In practice, the registration of a utility model is often successful within a few months, which allows, for example, faster intervention in infringements. In some cases, a utility model may be a stronger form of protection than a patent, as  lower inventive steps may make it difficult to invalidate the utility model.
Determination of the invention
The inventor (s) and the patent attorney will go through the invention at a kick-off meeting, or the inventor will provide a description of the invention to the patent attorney in another agreed way. The definition of the invention may be based on oral, written and / or pictorial material (drawings, photographs, videos, animations).
Preparation of a utility model application
The patent attorney prepares a utility model application proposal and reviews it with the applicant. In particular, the inventor (s) and / or other representatives of the applicant will evaluate the scope of the proposed claims and the description of the invention from a technical point of view. Typically, the process of preparing a utility model application involves 1-3 rounds of commenting and editing.
Registration of a utility model
The registration of a utility model is performed by submitting the application to the Patent and Registration Authority and paying the registration fee. Utility models are subject to a registration procedure. The registration authority will only examine the formal conditions for registration of a utility model. If necessary, the registration authority will issue an interlocutory injunction requesting the applicant to rectify the formal deficiencies in the application. The patent attorney typically assists the applicant in analyzing the interim decision, preparing a response, and submitting it to the Office.
Renewal of the utility model
In Finland, the utility model is valid for a maximum of ten years. The utility model is valid for four years from the date of application, after which it can be renewed for four years and then for additional two years. Renewal requires payment of a maintenance fee.

Pricing examples

Please note that the price estimate for a utility model application always depends on the time it takes to complete the application. This is affected, for example, by how accurately the invention is described, whether there are ready-made contours of the product or device, how accurate it is, what is known, whether the subject matter of the invention changes during the preparation of the utility model application and how many rounds of comments are required.
Example 1

Easy Utility model

5000 €
Example 2

Demanding utility model

7000 €

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
Show profile
Mia Niemelä
IP Specialist, administration and formalities
Show profile
Antti Pörhönen
Patent Attorney
Show profile
Boco IP - Petri Nieminen profiilikuva
Petri Nieminen
Consulting Director, Partner
Show profile
Boco IP:n toimitusjohtaja Karri Leskinen profiilikuva
Karri Leskinen
Managing Director, Partner
Show profile
Jonna Sahlin profiilikuva
Jonna Sahlin
European Patent Attorney, Chairman of the board, Partner
Show profile
Boco IP - Marja-Liisa Autti profiilikuva
Marja Liisa Autti
European Patent Attorney, Partner
Show profile

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
x

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
x

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
x

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
x
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
x
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
x
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
x
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
x
Show specialists.
Hide specialists.
Our experts are happy to help
Boco IP - Marja-Liisa Autti profiilikuva
Marja Liisa Autti
European Patent Attorney, Partner
+ 358 9 6866 8495
marjaliisa.autti@bocoip.com
Boco IP - Thomas Carlsson profiilikuva
Thomas Carlsson
European Patent Attorney, Partner
+358 9 6866 8461
thomas.carlsson@bocoip.com
Jaana Hämäläinen profiilikuva
Jaana Hämäläinen
European Patent Attorney, Partner
+358 9 6866 8423
jaana.hamalainen@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
Jonna Sahlin profiilikuva
Jonna Sahlin
European Patent Attorney, Chairman of the board, Partner
+358 40 536 1037
jonna.sahlin@bocoip.com
Tomi Salter profiilikuva
Tomi Salter
European Patent Attorney, Partner
+ 358 9 6866 8439
tomi.salter@bocoip.com
Lisbeth Söderman profiilikuva Boco IP
Lisbeth Söderman
European Patent Attorney, Partner
+358 40 556 9190
lisbeth.soderman@bocoip.com
Christian Westerholmin kuva, Boco IP
Christian Westerholm
European Patent Attorney, Partner
+358 9 6866 8469
christian.westerholm@bocoip.com