News

Season’s Greetings

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our office is closed 24.-26.12.2024.

News | 20.12.2024

New EPAC-paralegal, Heli Alasaari, at Laine IP

Heli Alasaari passed the difficult EPAC-exam, as a second candidate at Laine. Read more:

News | 18.12.2024

Referral G2/24 – Can the alleged infringer continue the appeal proceedings on their own?

A new referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO concerning the status of an alleged infringer in appeal proceedings.

News | 16.12.2024

USPTO Increases fees – Major Impacts

The USPTO will increase selected fees and add new fees as of January 19, 2025. Click here to see what will change:

News | 11.12.2024

The USPTO terminates “After Final Consideration Pilot Program 2.0 (AFCP 2.0)”

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will end its AFCP 2.0 Program on December 14, 2024. Read more:

News | 28.11.2024

MIP STARS 2024 | Laine IP Recognized in Top Tier for Patent and Trademark Excellence

Laine IP ranked in Tier1 category both in patent and TM work. Additionally, several experts received star recognitions in Managing IP’s 2024 survey. Read more:

News | 3.10.2024

UPC | Romania is the 18th member state

Romania became the 18th UPC member state on 1 September 2024. Read more:

News | 2.9.2024

Our office will close on Friday 30 August at 12:00

Our office will close on Friday, 30th August exceptionally at 12:00 due to relocation of our Helsinki office. We will re-open normally on Monday, September 2 at 8.30 AM. Read more:

News | 27.8.2024

We have a new colleague

We’re excited to announce that Dr. Adam Herrala Bricker joined our dynamic US Team as a US Patent Agent Trainee. Read more:

News | 9.8.2024

Referral G1/24 – Is the description always to be used to interpret the claims?

New referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO, relating to use of description in the interpretation of the claims. Will EPO change their point of view?

News | 2.7.2024

Laine IP maintains Silver ranking in new 2024 IAM 1000 listing

Laine IP maintains silver ranking with 7 recognized standout practitioners in the new 2024 IAM 1000 listing.

News | 25.6.2024

MIP Patent and Trademark Stars 2024 announced

Managing Intellectual Property MIP has released the 2024 MIP Stars recognitions last week. Read more!

News | 10.6.2024

UPC | Romania becomes the 18th Member State

After ratification of the UPCA agreement, Romania becomes the 18th Member State to join the UP system. Read more:

News | 5.6.2024

Laine IP is responsible for updating “The Brown Book”

The Finnish part of the highly renowned handbook of the IP field, the “Manual IP”, has again been updated by Laine IP’s experts. Read more:

News | 4.6.2024

Laine achieves MIP Tier 1 in Trademark Prosecution

We are thrilled to announce that Laine IP Oy has been recognized as a Tier 1 firm in Trademark Prosecution by MIP. Read more!

News | 23.5.2024

Changes in Indian patent practice

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has on March 15, 2024 amended the Patents Rules, 2003 (“Amended Rules”), which means significant changes to Indian patent procedures. Read more:

News | 21.5.2024

UPC | Referendum deferred in Ireland

Ireland is not yet a UPC Contracting Member State, because it hasn’t ratified the UPCA. Now the required referendum has been, however, deferred. Read more:

News | 17.4.2024

Laine IP “Firm of the Year” in Trademark Prosecution

Laine IP Recognized as “Firm of the Year” for Trademark Prosecution in Finland at the Managing IP Awards 2024 – Read more!

News | 12.4.2024

Meet our most recent U.S. Patent Agent trainees!

Meet two of our most recent U.S. Patent Agent trainees, Cristina Battistuzzi and Thomas Öhman. Read more about what they have to say about their training period at Laine!

News | 28.3.2024

IPR easily – EU Trademark (part 9)

Our IPR easily blog series continues! Read more about the EU trademark!

News | 14.3.2024

Managing IP Awards 2024 shortlistings

The Managing IP EMEA Awards shortlistings for 2024 have been announced: Laine IP has been distinguished in both Patent and Trademark Prosecution categories. Read More!

News | 7.3.2024

UPC news – An update about the situation of Ireland

The UPCA has been signed by 24 current EU member states, including Ireland. Ireland is not a Contracting Member State of the UPC yet though, because Ireland has not ratified the UPCA.

News | 20.2.2024

Significant recognition for Laine IP’s expertise in WTR1000

World Trademark Review published its annual survey of professionals at the top of the IP industry: Laine IP elevated to the Silver category. Read more!

News | 14.2.2024

Anticipate obstacles and be prepared – fallback positions in patent applications

When drafting a patent application, potential obstacles to patentability are anticipated by creating so-called fallback positions, which can be used if it appears that the obstacles identified by the Office cannot be overcome without limiting the scope of protection of the independent claims. Read more:

News | 25.1.2024

EPO: Changes to fee-related issues as of 1.4.2024

The Administrative Council of the European Patent Office (EPO) has decided to increase certain official fees as well as make some other changes relating to fees, such as reductions of fees. The changes come into force on 1.4.2024.

News | 22.1.2024

IPR easily – EPC (part 7)

The 7th part of our series IPR easily will introduce the European patent system and the processes therein.

News | 28.11.2023

G1/22 EBoA – Transfer of priority

The consolidated decision G1/22 and G2/22 of the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO on transfer of priority right concludes that unless proven to contrary, the applicant or proprietor is entitled to claim priority.

News | 15.11.2023

IPR easily – Organisations (part 6)

This part of our series IPR easily presents the relevant IP organisations, such as ARIPO, EPO, PCT and many more. Read more:

News | 5.10.2023

UPC | New UPC-representative of Laine IP!

We have now four EPAs, who have the right to represent clients before the UPC!

News | 8.9.2023

Laine IP Secures Silver Ranking with 5 Recognized Standout Practitioners in New 2023 IAM 1000 Listing

According to IAM, the 2023 IAM Patent 1000 is based on an extensive research process. Individual practitioners qualify for a listing in the 2023 IAM Patent 1000 when they receive sufficient positive feedback from peers and clients with knowledge of their practice and the market within which they operate.

News | 9.8.2023

Join Laine IP’s US Team as a U.S. Patent Agent Trainee

We have an open U.S. Patent Agent Trainee position in our dynamic U.S. Team – apply now!

Jobs News | 8.8.2023

Referral G 1/23 – Which parts of a disclosure belong to the prior art?

Under decision G 1/92 an invention has become known if a person skilled in the art is able to analyse and reproduce the invention without undue burden on the basis of the prior disclosures. However, the interpretation of these requirements is ambiguous which has led to different outcomes. The referral G 1/23 asks for clarification on three issues, in particular with respect to chemical compositions, in order to unify practices.

News | 1.8.2023

Direct vs. Induced Infringement of a US Patent

What are the differencies between direct vs. induced infringement of a US Patent? Find out:

News | 6.7.2023

Laine IP recognized among Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms by FT

We’re thrilled to announce that for the second consecutive year, our company has been listed in the Financial Times’ “Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms” rankings for 2023!

News | 29.6.2023

UPC Update | Operation started!

Unified Patent Court (UPC) started its operation today on June 1, 2023.

News | 1.6.2023

IPR easily – Formalities (part 5)

What kind of formalities are you dealing with when filing a patent or trademark application? Learn more:

News | 30.5.2023

Laine IP Board elects new Chairman

European Patent Attorney, U.S. Patent agent Toimi Teelahti has been elected Chairman of the Board of Laine IP. Laine IP thanks the previous Board for its work and wishes the new Board good luck.

News | 29.5.2023

The EUIPO SME Fund Patent Voucher is now available

Financial support for the protection of IP to small and medium-sized enterprises available as of April 26th 2023 through the EUIPO’s SME Fund. Read more:

News | 21.4.2023

IPR easily – Terms relating to application (part 4)

In the next part of our series IPR easily we will learn about terms relating to application. What does embodiment mean? Or preamble? What’s the difference between dependent and independent claim? Find out:

News | 13.4.2023

The USPTO has gone digital! eGrants are here

The USPTO will switch to eGrants on 18 April 2023 i.e. granted patents will be in electronic form, with a new digital USPTO seal and a digital signature of the USPTO Director. Read more:

News | 5.4.2023

G2/21 – Proving a technical effect with later publications

At the EPO, inventive step can, within certain limits, also in the future be proven by evidence that is not in the application as filed or in a pre-published document.

News | 3.4.2023

Laine IP’s Eija Kurvinen was successfull in the new EPAC-examination

The new, Europe-wide patent paralegal examination is a proof of knowledge gained by long experience and hard studying. Eija Kurvinen passed the exam among the first ones. Read more:

News | 31.3.2023

Laine IP’s patent attorneys able to represent clients before the new court

Three European Patent Attorneys of Laine IP, Mirja Matilainen, Jarkko Tiilikainen and Kaisa Suominen now have the right to represent clients before the new Unified Patent Court (UPC), which will start functioning on 1.6.2023.

News | 24.3.2023

IPR easily – Terms relating to time (part 3)

In the third part of our series “IPR easily” you’ll learn about terms relating to time. What is a priority? What do you do if your application is deemed withdrawn? Find out here.

News | 14.3.2023

IPR easily – People in the field (part 2)

In the next part of our series IPR easily you’ll learn about the people in the field. What’s the difference between applicant and proprietor? What does an appellant do?

News | 20.2.2023

Mark Scott appointed as new Team Leader of Laine’s US IP Team

We are pleased to announce that Mark Scott has been appointed as the new Manager of the US IP Team, effective 01 February 2023.

News | 9.2.2023

IPR easily – Basic concepts for obtaining protection (part 1)

Oath, TM, priority, power of attorney… Do you feel dizzy when reading about intellectual property rights (IPR)? Our new series “IPR made easy” comes to rescue! It is also so concise that you will not feel dizzy.

News | 23.1.2023

Laine IP’s US Team approaches 500th US Patent

Happy New Year to all! In 2023, Laine IP’s US Team expects its 500th US Patent amongst its offerings of US IP Legal Services.

News | 28.12.2022

Season’s Greetings

We thank all our clients for the past year and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023!

News | 19.12.2022

USPTO Announces New 3-Month Time Period for Applicants to Respond to the Majority of Trademark Office Actions

Effective December 3, 2022, U.S. trademark applicants will have now have a 3-month period vs. the current 6-month period to respond to the majority of pre-registration U.S. Office Actions. Post-registration deadlines will be similarly reduced to 3 months starting October 7, 2023.

News | 21.11.2022

Managing IP Rising Star 2022 | Liisa Sarnes Salokoski

Our expert Liisa Sarnes Salokoski has been recognized as a Rising Star in Managing IP’s 2022 study.

News | 12.10.2022

XXXV Nordic NIR Meeting 2022

This year’s Nordic NIR meeting gathered 160 IP professionals from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in Oslo on 28 to 30 August 2022. Climate change had been selected as the overall theme of the conference.

News | 13.9.2022

Novelty | How novelty of an invention is determined?

The basic requirement for patenting is that the invention at hand is novel. Novelty is determined by comparing the features of the invention to prior solutions from which the invention must differ.

News | 12.9.2022

Financial Times: Laine IP Oy among Europe’s leading Patent Law Firms

Laine IP Oy has been listed among the best patent law firms by Financial Times in the Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2022 ranking. Financial Times is one of the most distighuished and widely circulated busniess newspapers in the world.

News | 21.6.2022

Only a non-disclosed invention can be patented

A patentable invention needs to be novel, which is why it cannot be made available to the public before filing a patent application. A wide range of actions are considered publication, so the safest measure is to keep the invention completely in secrecy until a patent application has been filed.

News | 17.3.2022

An assignment is not a mere formality

The applicant must have the right to the invention in case the applicant is another entity than the inventor. Otherwise the application is not validly filed.

News | 10.3.2022

We stand with Ukraine!

Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people in their suffering and grief, and we support the work of Save the Children in Ukraine.

News | 4.3.2022

Update on UPC

The Provisional Application Period entered into force on 19th January 2022 and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) was born as an international organisation.

News | 25.1.2022

Funding available! | The funding policy for the innovation voucher was renewed

Applying for the innovation voucher was opened after the Christmas break on 17 January 2022. At the same time, the funding policy was renewed.

News | 21.1.2022

Plausibility in assessing inventions

Is the purpose of the invention described in a patent application actually achieved, and how is the likelihood of achieving said purpose evaluated?

News | 11.1.2022

G1/21 – oral proceedings can be held by videoconference even without parties’ consent

The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO decided in the case G1/21 that during a general emergency not allowing parties to travel, it is permissible to hold oral proceedings with videoconference, even without the consent of all parties.

News | 30.12.2021

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2022!

We thank all our clients for the past year and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2022!

News | 20.12.2021

Referral G2/21 to the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European patent office

Will evidence as proof of technical effect be allowed in the future if it has been submitted after the filing date?

News | 14.12.2021

Unified Patent Court update

It appears that the UPC is finally back on track.

News | 11.11.2021

Laine IP welcomes our three new European Patent Attorneys

Toimi Teelahti, Liisa Sarnes and Jouni-Tapio Laaksonen are our new EPA’s. Preparing for the challenging European Qualifying Examination ultimately benefits our clients.

News | 26.10.2021

SPC | Supplementary Protection Certificate

Getting a marketing authorization for a pharmaceutical may take up a considerable amount of the patent term. Supplementary Protection Certificate gives companies a chance to get some of this time back as extended protection time.

News | 19.10.2021

Scope of claims

Independent claims define the scope of an invention in its broadest form, whereas dependent claims facilitate modification of a patent application during its prosecution.

News | 14.10.2021

Right to Priority – Patent Applicant has a Year to Make Decisions

The right to priority gives the applicant 12 months from the filing of a parent application to make decisions on whether to file further applications internationally.

News | 14.9.2021

Utility model

Utility model gives protection for a simple invention fast for a maximum of 10 years.

News | 31.8.2021

Laine IP Oy is responsible for updating the “Brown Book”

Laine IP Oy has taken on the responsibility to update the best known handbook of the IPR field for Finland, the “Manual for the Handling of Applications for Patents, Designs and Trade Marks Throughout the World”.

News | 3.8.2021

G4/19 – the EPC contains basis for the prohibition of double patenting

The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office determines the legal basis for prohibition of double patenting in its decision G 4/19.

News | 29.6.2021

MIP STARS 2021 | Laine IP as a Tier 1 Patent Prosecution firm in Finland

Laine IP has again been recognized with the highest ranking in its category as a Tier 1 Patent Prosecution firm in Finland, and also has been recognized as a Recommended Trade Mark Prosecution firm in Finland.

News | 23.6.2021

Ceipi Summer School on IP in Europe

The seminar is aimed at European and non-European students, IP attorneys and lawyers. It covers protection of various industrial property rights in Europe, but also for example court practices and the effect of EU legislation on IP.

News | 21.6.2021

Grace period | Did you forget to apply for protection of the results of your R&D?

No worries, it might still be possible by taking advantage of the so-called grace period, just contact your IPR partner.

News | 17.6.2021

Methods for Challenging U.S. Granted Patents

If you or your company have concerned or foresee a threat of potential litigation from a US patent owner, there are presently three (3) primary avenues to challenge the validity of the US patent outside of a Federal courtroom and within the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

News | 24.5.2021

Revocation of a Finnish trade name through an administrative procedure at PRH

You may now also apply for revocation of a Finnish trade name (company name) at the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) through an administrative procedure. This has been made possible as of 1 May 2021. Previously revocation has been possible only at the Market Court.

News | 5.5.2021

Divisional Application | Questions & Answers

Our experts, European Patent Attorneys Teemu Kiviniemi and Kaisa Suominen, write about divisional application by answering the most frequently asked questions.

News | 24.3.2021

WTR 1000 rankings for 2021 published: Laine IP in the top-tiers with Tom-Erik Hagelberg as recommended expert

Laine IP’s trademark practice has been recognized in the top-tier of the 2021 edition of World Trademark Review 1000 with the following remarks…

News | 16.2.2021

Laine IP Oy’s clients’ had a strong year in 2020 in obtaining patents

We are pleased to announce that our firm was the representative of record for our clients on: 134 granted European (EPO) patents; 77 issued US patents; and 73 granted Finnish patents in 2020.

News | 22.1.2021

Update | Oral proceedings at the EPO

In November we published a brief article about EPO’s new practices relating to oral proceedings. Some changes came into effect with the new year, namely with respect to Boards of Appeal and hearing of witnesses.

News | 20.1.2021

Season’s Greetings

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

News | 18.12.2020

The could-would method as part of the problem-solution approach

When discussing the could-would method, what is meant is usually an alternative method for determining whether a new solution is inventive, to be used instead of the European problem-solution approach. This could-would determination is, however, possible to utilize also as part of the problem-solution approach.

News | 14.12.2020

Difficulties in the determination of the objective technical problem

Defining the objective technical problem is probably the most important part of the problem-solution approach, which is commonly used particularly in Europe to determine whether a new invention has inventive step.

News | 7.12.2020

Optitune and Merck sign Agreement on Foldable OLED Displays

Our client Optitune Oy has signed an important distribution agreement with the German company Merck to bring functional hard coatings for foldable OLED Displays to the market.

News | 4.12.2020

Person skilled in the art

“A person of average skill in the art” is a well-known term in the field of patenting. This term is used to define an imaginary person, whose level of knowledge is utilized in comparisons in different contexts, to define the common level of knowledge in a specific technical field.

News | 30.11.2020

The problem-solution approach in determining inventive step

In order to be inventive, an invention should not be obvious to a person skilled in the art. The term “obvious” is, in turn, typically defined by evaluating whether a particular development is to be seen as a part of the expected progress of the relevant technology, or whether it could be considered unexpected.

News | 23.11.2020

Oral proceedings at the EPO

Since April 2020 all oral proceedings in examination have been held, and will continue to be held, by videoconference unless the applicant provides serious reasons why the proceedings should be held at the EPO premises.

News | 19.11.2020

Laine IP Oy – IP also in Swedish

We are happy to announce the launching of our webpages in Swedish. Please check the pages for useful information not only on our company but also on IP rights, based a series of articles prepared by our experts.

News | 6.11.2020

Laine IP Legal services

Our aim at Laine IP Oy Legal services is to act in a timely manner and even proactively to provide the best service options to our clients. Our legal team actively serves its clients in IPR -related contract matters. In addition, our legal services cover a wide range of dispute resolution services.

News | 20.10.2020

AIPPI World Congress 2020 – What’s different?

No need this year to gather travel documents and travel for a minimum of 15 hours from Helsinki across five time zones to Hangzhou in China. AIPPI World Congress 2020 has been held entirely online and for members of AIPPI, free of charge.

News | 14.10.2020

Business Essentials for Scientists (BES) 5.-22.10.2020 in Turku – our expert lecturing

Business Essentials for Scientists (BES) (2 ECTS) is a course aimed at doctoral students at University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. After the course the doctoral student has a basic understanding of business development and commercialisation in the academia.

News | 10.9.2020

Laine IP Leverages Collaboration to Enhance U.S. Prosecution

Laine IP Oy (Laine IP) has had an internal U.S. Team, located in Helsinki, to handle U.S. patent and trademark prosecution since 2010. The close collaboration of the U.S. Team with our other experts is a key component in securing the strongest global Intellectual Property (IP) rights for its clients.

News | 1.9.2020

Speeding up US Patent Prosecution; Track One and Fast Track Appeal

Since 2011, prioritized examination has been available for U.S. patent applications via the Track One pilot program.  Now, the newly announced Fast-Track Appeals program provides the opportunity to request …

News | 2.7.2020

Global IP STARS 2020 IP ranking listings have now been published!

Laine IP has again been recognized with the highest ranking in its category as a Tier 1 Patent Prosecution firm in Finland, and also has been recognized as a Recommended Trade Mark Prosecution firm in Finland.

News | 24.6.2020

“Vatsaystävällinen Pehmeä”, developed by our client Fazer, is now available at grocery stores

Thanks to the enzyme developed and patented by Fazer, also people with a sensitive stomach can now enjoy soft wheat bread.

News | 15.6.2020

Our client’s, Nolla Antimicrobial’s, hand sanitizer foam is also effective against coronaviruses

Nolla’s hand sanitizer foam has previously been confirmed to kill the five antibiotic-resistant superbacteria defined by the WHO.

News | 25.5.2020

Our client, Woodio, received recognition for their design and IPR work

Woodio is one of the winners of the Fennia Prize – as part of the Fennia Prize 20 -series. In addition, the Finnish Patent and Registration Office has awarded them the IPR Excellence Award for commendable protection of intellectual property rights.

News | 25.5.2020

G 3/19 – Plants and animals exclusively obtained by essentially biological processes are no longer patentable

The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the EPO held that the non-patentability of essentially biological processes for the production of plants or animals also extends to plant or animal products that are exclusively obtained by means of an essentially biological process.

News | 19.5.2020

Patent Offices extending deadlines due to coronavirus

In response to the current coronavirus situation, Patent Offices worldwide are allowing deadlines to be extended. At Laine IP, our policy is to handle any deadlines without using coronavirus extensions. Therefore, we intend to only rely on such extensions when requested to do so.

News | 9.4.2020

Laine IP operating remotely during the COVID-19 emergency

To help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, we will not be conducting face-to-face meetings during the emergency period. A large part of our staff is working remotely in order to ensure the safety of our customers and staff as well as the continuity of our operations in all circumstances. We wish everyone good health during this unusual situation.

News | 19.3.2020

Woodio’s unique bathrooms

Woodio is definitely one of the number one names in Finnish design and innovation at the moment. Their wood-based bathroom furniture transforms the look of the traditional white porcelain bathrooms into interesting interior design spaces.

News | 4.3.2020

Brexit – it’s a deal!

The UK left the European Union on 1st February. What does that actually mean? Are any actions needed to secure your IP rights?

News | 13.2.2020

Laine IP Oy included in Worldwide Listing of Top Patent Firms for Securing U.S. Patents!

Laine IP Oy (formerly Seppo Laine Oy) secured eighty (80) U.S. Utility Patents for its clients in 2019, which ranked #1 in Finland and #1 in the Nordic region. Laine IP Oy’s U.S. Team, with all members of the group in its Helsinki office, can ensure smooth, efficient, and effective U.S. prosecution.

News | 27.1.2020

We are now officially Laine IP Oy

Our official company name is Laine IP Ltd as of 24.1.2020. Our addresses, phone numbers and other contact information work as is.

News | 27.1.2020

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2020!

News | 20.12.2019

Navigate – Nordic maritime expo in Turku on 22-23 January 2020

NaviGate is Finland’s biggest maritime event where the marine industry, shipping companies and maritime logistics meet. Also Laine IP is participating in the expo.

News | 12.12.2019

Finland’s Independence Day 6 December

Our offices are closed on Friday December 6, 2019. We wish you all Happy Holidays.

News | 5.12.2019

“Reasonable expectation of success” is not to be confused with the “hope to succeed”

New subsection has been added to the EPO Guidelines on obviousness in the field of biotechnology. The new Guidelines apply as from 1 November 2019.

News | 14.11.2019

SLUSH 2019: November 21-22 – Our Experts on Site

European Trademark and Design Attorney Anne Laukkasuo and Patent Engineer Leena Marquis will attend SLUSH and be happy to discuss IP issues with you.

News | 13.11.2019

Mark W. Scott featured in NW Lawyer magazine

Mark is part of our Chemistry team and our internal U.S. team, which also specializes in computer-related, electronics, and mechanical inventions, as well as designs and trademarks.

News | 12.11.2019

USPTO issues updated October 2019 eligibility guidance

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has again updated the Patent Eligibility Guidance directed to Office personnel, specifying how patent claims are to be treated under 35 U.S.C §101.

News | 24.10.2019

Patentability of computer simulation methods in Europe

In Europe, only inventions with technical character is considered patentable. This entails that only inventions relating to technology may be protected by patents.

News | 16.10.2019

Meet us at Helsinki IP Summit October 23-24, 2019

Helsinki IP Summit will be held during the upcoming week at Hotel Paasitorni, Helsinki. The Summit will be the largest IPR event in Finland this year and is directed towards IPR professionals, corporate leaders, startups and anyone interested in IPR.

News | 16.10.2019

EPO decision T0694/16 relating to personalized medicine

The question to which T0694 / 16 gives the answer is, whether individualized (or personal) medical use can be patented in the EPO.

News | 14.10.2019

Intellectual Property (IP) Conference for SMEs – our expert one of the speakers

Our expert, European Trademark and Design Attorney, IP Lawyer,Tom-Erik Hagelberg, will talk about use of trademarks and design rights: How a Finnish company successfully used its IP to defend its commercial interests.

News | 11.10.2019

Business Essentials for Scientists (BES) 8.-24.10.2019 in Turku – our expert lecturing

Our expert, European Patent Attorney Christoffer Sundman, will talk about “Protecting your invention” on Thursday October 17, 2019.

News | 10.10.2019

FICPI 18th OPEN FORUM – our expert on site

Our experts, European Patent Attorney Hanna Laurén and US Patent Attorney Mark W. Scott are attending the open forum and will be happy to discuss IP issues with you.

News | 30.9.2019

LAINE IP participates in the Helsinki IP Summit, 23 – 24 October 2019

Helsinki IP Summit speakers are top experts, including LAINE IP’s European Patent Attorney Jari Nieminen. He will speak on Thursday, October 24, on “5G and IPR”.

News | 17.9.2019

AIPPI World Congress – our expert Christopher Devine on site

AIPPI World Congress will be held this year in London in mid-September. You can meet our expert, European Patent Attorney Christopher Devine on site at Queen Elizabeth II Center and Central Hall Westminster, September 15-18, 2019.

News | 13.9.2019

IPR activity indicates the growth potential of SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often said to be the backbone of the European economy. However, a large proportion of their contribution to growth and new job creation is in fact generated by a small fraction of SMEs, which may be referred to as high-growth firms (HGFs).

News | 22.8.2019

The New Finnish Trademarks Act will enter into force on 1 May 2019

The reform of the Finnish Trademarks Act has reached the final steps as the new Act has been ratified by the President of Finland on 26 April 2019. The aim of the reform is to get a clear, consistent and modern Act that enables a completely digital trademark process. The most relevant amendments …

News | 29.4.2019

ChemBio 2019

ChemBio is the biggest meeting place for experts in the chemical and bio fields with over 4000 attendants and over 140 exhibitors. The event has a lot of interesting program and seminars on current topics. …

News | 11.4.2019

Choice of claim wording, and its impact on patentability

When drafting patent applications, the choice of wording, particularly that of the claims, is always highly important. With the correct wording, you can avoid trouble relating to the relevant patent law. …

News | 9.4.2019

US Patent Attorney Mark W. Scott

Laine IP is very happy to announce our newest US team member: Mr. Mark W. Scott. Mr. Scott is a US Patent Attorney with 16+ years of experience assisting clients in defending, procuring, and asserting intellectual property rights. …

News | 17.3.2019

Number of patent and trademark applications filed by foreign applicants increasing in Germany

In 2018, the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) received 21,286 patent applications from abroad. This means a significant increase of about seven percent compared with the previous year. …

News | 15.3.2019

We have updated our brand

Seppo Laine Oy has unveiled its new brand names, which are patent agency LAINE and the internationally operating LAINE Intellectual Property. Complementing our refreshed visual style, the new brand names will be an integral part of all our communications. …

News | 5.3.2019

UPC-sopimuksen vaikutus patentointistrategiaan (In Finnish)

Viime vuosina, kun on tiedetty, että UPC-sopimus tulee (mitä todennäköisimmin) astumaan voimaan ”lähiaikoina”, on ollut paljon keskustelua uuden järjestelmän mahdollisista eduista ja riskeistä.

News | 11.12.2018

Paptic takes aim at obsoleting plastic bags

We have collaborated with Seppo Laine Oy for a long time now, and we know that they have the top expertise in this field of technology. I also greatly value their strategic approach; it’s not only about protecting technology, but most of all about developing our future business.”

Customer stories | 29.11.2018

Changes in the EPO Guidelines for Examination

Significant new sections on important topics such as unity and inventions relating to mental acts, mathematical methods, computer implemented inventions and artificial intelligence have been introduced to the EPO Guidelines for Examination.

News | 22.10.2018

Groundbreaking invention finds multiple applications

At the University of Helsinki, Professor Ilkka Kilpeläinen is leading research into new types of solvents that enable the manufacturing of textiles from pulp, while making it possible to replace the plastics in cleaning products with biodegradeable microbeads. The latest application is the ability to glue wood – without glue.

Customer stories | 14.12.2017