I have a legal background and authorized to represent clients at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Finnish Patent Office, and at Finnish courts. I help clients to create strategies for the protection of brands, designs and other intangible assets. I conduct risk analysis’ related to the use and registration of trademarks, and handle trademark registration and design protection worldwide. I also advise on contractual matters related to Intellectual Property and act as clients’ representative in negotiations, and deal with trademark and design infringements, prosecute trademark oppositions and trademark and design cancellation procedures, and handle disputes related to domains. I have worked at Boco IP since 1999.
Archives: Ihmiset
Sini-Maaria Mikkilä
I am an experienced European Patent Attorney who has been helping clients protect and defend their inventions since 2008. My expertise lies particularly in industrial machinery and equipment, automation, hydraulics, measurement technology, and energy solutions. I assist clients in all IP matters – from patenting strategies to opposition and infringement cases, as well as employee invention matters. I especially enjoy analyzing technical solutions, assessing the scope of protection, conducting technology landscape studies, and preparing expert opinions. I am also passionate about increasing IP awareness and regularly organize IP trainings and workshops.
In addition to my work as a patent attorney, I serve as Chief Strategy Officer at Boco IP, where I focus on developing processes and practices to better meet client needs. I am also a board member and membership coordinator of the Finnish Association for Patent Attorneys (SPAY) since 2023, and I represent Finland as an alternate delegate in FICPI. Furthermore, I actively contribute to FICPI’s Practice Management Committee (PMC) and CET3 International Patent Matters Committee. Based in our Tampere office, I support clients across Finland and internationally in Finnish, English, and Swedish.
My work spans a wide range of industries, including industrial manufacturing, health technology, renewable energy, and logistics. However, I am happy to assist with any IP-related matters – feel free to reach out.
Elina Heikkilä
I work primarily with trademarks and designs. I have years of global experience in IP protection proceedings, opposition, infringement and cancellation proceedings. I conduct availability and risk analyses, contractual matters, and IP strategy planning. Every IP-workday is fascinating! My previous work experience is from the Supreme Administrative Court, the Finnish Patent Office, and from a patent agency. I am authorized to represent clients at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) and Finnish courts. I have worked at Boco since 2011.
Jaana Hämäläinen
I handle the patenting of inventions related to biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and chemistry nationally and internationally. My technology expertise includes e.g. therapeutic and diagnostic methods, drugs and food. I also manage the protection of plant-related inventions and the application for plant variety rights. I am a European Patent Attorney and a Registered Patent Attorney in Finland. In addition to the prosecution of patent applications I conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, novelty searches, provide statements, and, if necessary, act as a technical expert in patent litigations and act as a lecturer.
My clients include start-ups, research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises and large companies.
After my master’s degree in biotechnology, I completed my PhD at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. I also did postgraduate studies at Cornell University in the USA and the University of Helsinki. My background in working as a researcher in different universities and research environments has helped me understand the different stages of research and development.
I have enjoyed being at Boco IP since 2000.
Elsa Peltola
I’m Elsa and I work as an IP Specialist at Boco IP. Currently, I am in the mechanics team and together with the patent attorneys I manage matters related to the patenting process, such as communication with the patent offices and our clients. I have already a few years worth of experience in the field.
Aleksina Kouhia
My name is Aleksina Kouhia and I’m the new IP Specialist for Boco IP. I am part of mechanics team and I’m usually working in Tampere. I have studied International Business and I have specialized in financial management. I don’t have experience from Boco’s field of activity, but I’m looking forward to the new challenges, which I’m facing with excitement.
Essi Karppanen
I handle a wide range of IPR assignments in the field of industries, particularly in pharmaceutical, polymer, and pulp chemistry, as well as in biotechnology. My tasks include drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting novelty searches, freedom-to-operate analyses, and technology landscaping.
Working in the IPR field is both fascinating and inspiring. I greatly value the contributions researchers make to inventions, and I truly enjoy collaborating and interacting with clients. I also highly appreciate the seamless cooperation we have with colleagues here at Boco. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a highly skilled team and to provide clients with top-quality service.
I hold a Doctor of Science in Technology degree in organic chemistry. My professional experience includes working as a researcher in the pharmaceutical industry and as an official at the EU level, where I was involved in implementing biocide legislation. I have been working in the patent field since 2020 and joined Boco in 2022.
I am currently training to become a European Patent Attorney.
Jenni Aho
I work in the IT, mechanics and electrical group. I assist patent attorneys in all matters related to patent processing and handle external communications with clients and authorities. In addition, I take care of all activities related to the validation of foreign customers’ European patents in Finland and in Sweden and I’m responsible thereof. I previously worked in the patent field in 2002–2008. I have been by Boco IP since 2013.
Saoussen Merdes
I have over 15 years of experience in research and education. Prior to joining Boco IP, I carried out research in the fields of solar energy and nanotechnology at Tokyo University of Science, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the Freie Universität Berlin. I recently also worked as a Senior Scientist in a Finnish nanotechnology company. I joined the Physics & Electricity team of Boco IP in 2021. I advise our clients on matters related to patenting nano and semiconductor technologies.
Hanna Hausalo
I work as a part-time Office Assistant while studying at university. My responsibilities include a variety of organizational and administrative tasks. I have been working at Boco IP since 2020.