Meet IPR expert Björn Törngren

With a background in chemical engineering, Björn has over 8 years of experience in the IPR field, having worked as a patent examiner in the national office, and as a patent engineer in the industry.

“Having earlier collaborated with the experts at Boco IP, I am very happy to join the top-notch team and further develop my skills. For me, the best thing about working in the IPR field is witnessing an innovation evolve from a mere idea into a thriving business.” says Björn.

He continues: “From my previous experience, I am familiar with both early-stage invention disclosures, as well as global patent prosecution. I have evaluated many patent applications, and I know the requirements of strong IPR protection also from an applicant’s perspective.

Please get in touch if you have any questions related to inventions in chemistry, materials science or nanotechnology. My aim is to ensure that clients’ inventions are protected to the fullest extent.”

Björn has a Doctor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, with focus on Physical Chemistry, from Åbo Akademi University.

Jonna Sahlin Receives Prestigious International Recognition in Lexology

Boco IP is proud to announce that its Chairman of the Board and European Patent Attorney, Jonna Sahlin, has received multiple prestigious international recognitions for her expertise in intellectual property (IP). She is featured in the latest Lexology Index report as one of the few Finnish leaders in IP: Thought Leaders – IP – Reports – Lexology Index – Lexology. Who’s Who Legal rebranded it’s name to Lexology Index last year. 

In 2024, Jonna was named to the IAM Strategy 300 list, which recognizes the world’s leading IP strategists. This distinguished honor is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated exceptional insight into the development, creation, and management of intellectual property value. She has also been featured on the IAM Global Leaders list, which highlights the world’s top patent professionals.  

Additionally, Jonna has been recognized by Managing IP as a Patent star 2024 and Top 250 Women in IP 2024 underscoring her dedication and expertise in the field. 

Boco IP, one of Finland’s oldest and most respected IP firms, has been providing tailored intellectual property solutions since 1928. Jonna’s achievements reflect Boco IP’s ongoing commitment to excellence and expertise in IP management. 

Meet the Intellectual Property Rights Expert Kirsi Hakkila from the Software Industry

We are pleased to introduce a new member of the Boco IP team, Kirsi Hakkila. She brings extensive experience and versatile technical expertise, further enhancing our team of specialists.

With a background in software engineering, Kirsi has over 20 years of experience in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) within software companies, having worked as an IP Manager.

“I’m excited to join Boco IP, where I can leverage my previous expertise and continue learning new skills. I look forward to getting to know new clients and their projects. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime and in any situation. I have been reviewing patent applications for over 20 years, and now I’m eager to start drafting them as well. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions related to software—I’m here to help. I am familiar with the IPR challenges faced by software companies and can assist with facilitating solutions and in the invention valuation phase.”

Kirsi graduated from the Technical University of Helsinki’s Civil Engineering department, majoring in water supply, with additional studies in computer science.

Christian Westerholm Shortlisted for Practitioner of the Year at the Managing IP EMEA Awards 2025 

This prestigious recognition highlights Christian’s exceptional contributions to the intellectual property (IP) field and his unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier legal expertise. 

The Managing IP Awards are among the most respected accolades in the industry, celebrating excellence in IP law across patents, trademarks, and related areas. Being shortlisted for Practitioner of the Year is a testament to Christian’s dedication, strategic thinking, and impact in helping clients protect their innovations and brands. 

With years of experience in patent law, Christian has built a reputation for providing innovative, business-focused IP solutions. His ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, combined with his client-centric approach, makes him a true leader in the field. This recognition underscores the significant role he plays in shaping the future of intellectual property law. 

We congratulate Christian on this well-deserved honor and look forward to the final results of the Managing IP EMEA Awards 2025. Regardless of the outcome, this nomination alone reflects his outstanding contributions and the respect he commands in the IP community. 

Read more about the shortlists here: 

Managing IP EMEA Awards 2025 

Boco IP Shortlisted for the Managing IP EMEA Awards 2025 

The Managing IP Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and developments in intellectual property across more than 50 jurisdictions. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on April 10, 2025, at the Royal Lancaster London hotel. (managingip.com

“We are delighted and honored to receive this nomination, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our team in protecting our clients’ intellectual property rights,” says the CEO of Boco IP, Karri Leskinen. 

Being shortlisted for the Managing IP EMEA Awards further strengthens Boco IP’s position as a leading intellectual property firm in Finland and internationally. 

For more information about the awards and the full list of nominees, visit the official Managing IP website: managingip.com

Nina Virolainen Has Been Invited to Join as a Partner at Boco IP Oy Ab

She is pleased to continue working for the benefit of her clients, supporting the efficient protection of their innovations.

Nina joined Boco IP in 2021. She specializes in protecting innovations in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. Her areas of expertise include diagnostics, food technology, chemical wood processing, and chemical engineering, as well as supplementary protection certificates for pharmaceuticals. Nina also assists clients in evaluating employee’s inventions, competitor monitoring, freedom-to-operate analyses and patentability studies, and gives lectures on topics related to intellectual property rights. Additionally, Nina serves as Finland’s substitute council member in epi, the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office.

Nina’s strength as a patent attorney lies in her prior experience as a researcher in both academia and a startup company. This background helps her identify how research and development results can be refined into patentable inventions that support business. Nina is happy to assist clients in developing innovative concepts into finalized inventions and strong patent applications. According to her, writing a good patent application is like telling a story – the features of the invention are drafted into a coherent written presentation, tying them together in a meaningful and novel manner.

Nina views her partnership as a recognition of her well-executed client work. Additionally, the partnership provides an opportunity to deepen her role in the company’s development and contribute more extensively to Boco’s organizational activities. Her message to clients is: “A patent attorney can be utilized for much more than just drafting patent applications, such as analyzing competitors’ activities and assessing your own freedom to operate. Let’s do great work together!”

Boco IP wins the Finland Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year Award at The Global IP Awards 2024

IAM and WTR announced the winners of the 2024 Global IP Awards at a gala dinner held on 17 October in London. The awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of law and attorney firms in patent and trademark work across the globe. Boco IP is happy to announce that we held the title winner of the patent prosecution firm of the year. 

Since its launch in 2019, the Global IP Awards has recognized excellence in IP litigation, prosecution, and transactional work. Drawing on the expertise of IAM and WTR’s full-time journalists and dedicated researchers based in Europe, the US, and Asia, the awards highlight the firms that have made significant contributions to the field over the past year. The selection process involved a detailed analysis of strategic data points and in-depth insights into major IP markets worldwide. 

Congratulations to all the winners of the Global IP Awards this year! 

The list of the winners is here.

About Boco IP?

Boco IP is a leading intellectual property (IP) law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive IP services to clients globally. With a long history and deep expertise, we specialize in various aspects of IP law, including patents, trademarks, and designs. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering tailored solutions that protect and enhance the value of our clients’ innovations and brands. Boco IP stands as a trusted partner in the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property. 

Jerry Härkönen and Tomi Salter Selected for the 2024 Rising Stars List by IP Stars 

We are proud to announce that Jerry Härkönen and Tomi Salter have been named to the prestigious 2024 Rising Stars list by IP Stars. This recognition is a testament to their outstanding skills, dedication, and contributions to the field of intellectual property law. The Rising Stars list celebrates the achievements of up-and-coming IP professionals who have demonstrated exceptional expertise, innovative thinking, and a strong commitment to client service. 

Jerry and Tomi have played pivotal roles in handling complex IP matters, advising clients on strategies for patent and trademark protection, and navigating the intricacies of intellectual property disputes. Their inclusion on the Rising Stars list reflects the high level of trust and respect they have earned from clients and colleagues alike, as well as their ongoing efforts to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving IP landscape. 

The IP Stars research, conducted by Managing IP, is known for its rigorous evaluation process, which considers a range of factors including professional accomplishments, peer feedback, and client recommendations. Being selected as a Rising Star is a significant career milestone, highlighting Jerry’s and Tomi’s growing influence in the field. 

Congratulations to Jerry and Tomi on this well-deserved recognition! 

Tomi Salter

Boco IP Celebrates IP Excellence again in the Global IP Awards 2024

he winners will be announced on 17 October 2024 in London, UK. 

https://events.iam-media.com/event/GlobalIPAwards24/websitePage:5d73dfca-ac82-4b7b-b94b-93652507d079?RefId=MM-TEAM

Each year, the list of winners is curated through comprehensive research conducted for the IAM Patent 1000 and WTR 1000. The dedicated research teams at IAM and WTR collect thousands of written submissions from firms outlining their recent work in the IP sector, interview top practitioners from around the world, and seek insights from in-house leaders. This process provides  deep understanding of the leading players in the industry. 

Winners are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including excellence, achievements, and market reputation. Their recognition highlights the exceptional work being done by IP firms globally. 

Jonna Sahlin has been recognized on IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading Strategist 2024 list 

The IAM Strategy 300 guide honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional insight into the development, creation, and management of intellectual property value. This prestigious recognition is awarded only after a rigorous research process, with nominations coming from at least three external sources. The list includes leaders from a range of sectors, including service providers, corporations, research institutions, and universities.

Learn more about Jonna Sahlin’s profile here.

Boco IP, one of Finland’s oldest and most respected IP firms, has been specializing in intellectual property management since 1928. With a team of seasoned professionals and a vast global network, Boco IP offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients, helping protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property.

IAM Strategy profile can be found here: Jonna Sahlin – IAM Strategy 300.