We are pleased to announce that Jonna Sahlin from Boco IP has been recognized by IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading Strategist 2023.
According to IAM Strategy 300: ”The World’s Leading IP Strategists identifies individuals who research shows to have profound insights into the development, creation and management of IP value. The guide lists individuals from all kinds of entity – whether service providers, corporations, research institutions or universities, after an extensive research process. No individual can qualify for a listing in the IAM Strategy 300 unless they are nominated by at least three people from outside of their own organization. ”
Boco IP is one of the oldest firms in Finland to specialize in the management of intellectual property. Since 1928, Boco IP has been assisting clients with intellectual property rights. With a team of experienced professionals and a global network of partners, Boco IP provides comprehensive IP solutions tailored to the clients’ unique needs.
We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with our esteemed colleagues and partners! Jonna Sahlin and Karri Leskinen have been honored with a notable mention in the esteemed Who’s Who Legal as distinguished IP professionals. Also, Boco IP’s former partner, Anu Keinänen, who has retired from professional life, receives recognition for her long career.
This recognition is a testament to their outstanding contributions, dedication, and expertise in the field of intellectual property. Jonna Sahlin and Karri Leskinen have consistently demonstrated their commitment to excellence, and their inclusion in this renowned list underscores their significant impact on the IP industry.
Their accomplishments reflect not only their individual achievements but also the high standards and exceptional work carried out by our entire team. We are immensely proud to have Jonna Sahlin and Karri Leskinen as part of our organization, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.
Please join us in celebrating Jonna Sahlin, Anu Keinänen and Karri Leskinen for their outstanding achievements in the realm of IP. Their continued success serves as an inspiration to all of us.
Patents and Trademarks: More than Just Legal Tools
At first glance, patents and trademarks are legal tools protecting technical inventions and brand identities. However, their role extends far beyond mere protection. These IPRs serve as a distinguishing feature of a startup’s innovative and creative efforts, signaling a startup’s technical expertise in their field, and market potential. For investors, IPRs are the markers of credibility and potential for return on investment.
The European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have carried out a study examining the role of intellectual property (IP) rights in facilitating access to finance for European startups, followed by a publication Patents, trade marks and startup finance – Funding and exit performance of European startups. The study finds that on average, 29% of European startups have filed for registered IPRs, with biotechnology startups leading the charge. As startups progress from the seed stage to later funding rounds, the number of startups with IPRs increases significantly — from 10% at seed to 44% in late-stage rounds. The message is clear: as startups grow, so does their reliance on IPRs.
A Magnet for Venture Capital
Startups with IPR filings in their infancy show a significantly higher likelihood of securing venture capital (VC) funding. Those with patent applications are 6.4 times more likely to obtain early-stage funding, while those with trademarks are 4.3 times more likely. This correlation underlines IPRs’ role as a strong indicator of a startup’s potential and its capacity to draw in venture capital.
The study underscores the weight of European-level IPRs. Startups with European trademark applications are 6.1 times more likely to receive early-stage funding, as opposed to 2.8 times for those with national trademarks. The narrative is similar for patents, demonstrating that European IPRs carry a stronger signal of quality and ambition.
For new ventures, the study’s findings emphasize the strategic importance of securing IPRs early on. European startups, in particular, should consider European-level patents and trademarks as vital components of their growth strategy.
The Exit Strategy: Higher Odds with IPRs
When it comes to exit strategies, such as IPOs or acquisitions, startups with IPRs are more than twice as likely to succeed. Those with both patents and trademarks demonstrate the highest likelihood of successful exit, particularly if the IPRs are at the European level.
Conclusion: IPRs as Cornerstones of Startup Success
Intellectual Property Rights are not mere legal formalities; they are fundamental assets that support the financial viability and success of startups. They serve as a bridge between innovation and investment, signaling trust and potential to investors. As the European startup ecosystem continues to flourish, the strategic use of IPRs will remain a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success.
IAM and WTR announced the winners of its 2023 Global IP Awards. The Global IP Awards recognises the outstanding achievements of law and attorney firms in patent and trademark work. Boco IP won the title Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year for Finland -award. European Patent Attorneys Christian Westerholm and Jaana Hämäläinen were present in the Gala.
According to IAM: “The list of winners serves as a reminder of the exceptional depth of IP legal expertise available to corporate teams as they seek to protect and monetise their IP the world over.
With full-time journalists and dedicated researchers based in Europe, the US, and Asia, IAM and WTR are uniquely placed to provide in-depth reporting and analysis of developments in all the world’s major IP markets. Based on their collective knowledge and insight, and drawing on a number of strategic data points, the firms that deserve recognition for their achievements across the past 12 months were identified – and then celebrated at a special event held at Plaisterers’ Hall, London.”
Trevor Little, IP Managing Editor, stated that on 19 October we recognised “the outstanding achievements of law and attorney firms in litigation, prosecution, and transactional work during 2022/2023. In total, we have identified 169 awards winners across 80 jurisdictions. That sounds like a lot, and it does illustrate the depth and spread of IP expertise available to corporate teams the world over.”
Please note that most official fees charged by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office will increase, by 25% to 36%, for payments made on or after January 1, 2024.
To minimize fees, fees due on or after January 1, 2024 may be paid at current 2023 fees, which are lower than 2024 fees, if payment is made before January 1, 2024.
For example, in respect of patents, new regular applications, national phase applications, and divisional applications may be filed in 2023 at the current 2023 fees. Fees due after January 1, 2024 may be paid in 2023 at current 2023 fees. In respect of trademarks and designs, new applications may be filed and renewal fees may be paid in 2023 at current 2023 fees.
If you wish to minimize fees, please provide your instructions this year, preferably by December 1, 2023.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Tomi Salter and Jerry Härkönen have demonstrated exceptional expertise and dedication in the field of IP rights and they have been awarded as Rising Stars 2023 in MIP Stars. Their contributions and accomplishments have brought valuable expertise and innovative solutions to the field, and they have shown that they are future IP stars in this industry.
Tomi Salter, with his extensive experience in patents has played a key role in many significant intellectual property projects. His deep knowledge and ability to find creative solutions have made him a sought-after professional in the field.
Jerry Härkönen, on the other hand, is renowned for his excellent work in trademark law. His precision and diligence have been crucial in many successful intellectual property cases. His ability to combine precision and creativity makes him a unique force in the field.
The recognition of being nominated IP Rising Stars for 2023 is well-deserved for Tomi Salter and Jerry Härkönen. This award is not only a testament to their individual achievements but also a recognition of their teamwork, hard work, and commitment to protecting and advancing intellectual property rights.
European Patent Attorney Sini-Maaria Mikkilä has been appointed as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of Boco IP. Sini-Maaria has a long and esteemed career in the field of intellectual property, along with strong expertise in process development and quality management. She has successfully worked on numerous high-profile patent cases and provided guidance to a wide clientele in national and international patent matters. Her diverse skills and dedicated commitment to client success have established her as a trusted and respected expert in the field.
In addition to her role as a European Patent Attorney, Sini-Maaria will continue to serve as an integral part of both the business development team and the board of directors at Boco IP. Her previous experience at Nokia as a quality engineer and project manager provides valuable insights for developing Boco IP’s operations and identifying customer needs.
Sini-Maaria’s role as Chief Strategy Officer involves shaping and executing Boco IP’s strategic planning. Boco IP prides itself on delivering top-notch services with a positive atmosphere, and achieving excellence requires the best experts along with efficient and functional processes. As technology advances, it’s essential to recognize opportunities brought by artificial intelligence and other developments while staying true to the core of expertise-based operations. Together with the business development team, Sini-Maaria will identify new business opportunities and strengthen Boco IP’s leading position.
Boco IP is a premier company specializing in intellectual property, offering comprehensive services to clients nationally and internationally. The company’s mission is to assist clients in strategically and effectively protecting and leveraging their intellectual property. Sini-Maaria’s appointment as Chief Strategy Officer underscores Boco IP’s dedication to client success and advances the company’s vision of providing the best customer experience.
This achievement highlights our professionals’ exceptional dedication and expertise in the field of trademark and patent law. We are honored to be acknowledged by the publication and are proud to provide our clients with outstanding trademark and patent services.
This recognition especially to Karri Leskinen, Elina Heikkilä and Peter Åkerlund serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovative strategies, and client satisfaction. Our team of experienced trademark and patent professionals has consistently demonstrated their knowledge and skill in navigating complex trademark matters and protecting our clients’ valuable intellectual property assets.
We extend our gratitude to WIPR for this prestigious honor and to our clients for their trust and support. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide top-tier trademark and patent services and look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional results.
What is WIPR Leaders directory list?
“WIPR Leaders is a one-stop guide to the leading IP practitioners in the world. The handbook lists over 2,500 lawyers across patent, trademark, and copyright practices. Following an extensive nomination period, our research team vetted the nominated lawyers for suitability by exploring their work. This meant looking at practice history, industry expertise and notable cases, as well as any additional activities, such as writing and teaching responsibilities, which have allowed the lawyers to shape and influence other and future IP practitioners.”
We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious “Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year” EMEA award in London. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction in IP.
Boco IP one of the winners.
Karri Leskinen and Jonna Sahlin who were present in the award ceremony commented that “We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team of 35 highly skilled professionals who have consistently gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional results for our clients. Their expertise, diligence, and strategic approach have played a pivotal role in securing this esteemed honor.”
This achievement reaffirms our position as a leader in patent prosecution and highlights our ability to navigate complex IP landscapes, provide comprehensive solutions, and protect our clients’ intellectual property rights with the utmost diligence and effectiveness.
Karri and Jonna stated also that “we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed clients for their trust and unwavering support. It is their partnership and collaboration that has enabled us to achieve this milestone and reinforce our standing as a trusted advisor in the field of intellectual property.
We also extend our gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges and the Managing IP for recognizing our commitment to excellence and bestowing this prestigious honor upon us. This recognition serves as a motivation for us to continue raising the bar and delivering unparalleled service to our clients.”
Boco IP’s Chairman of the Board Mrs Jonna Sahlin and Boco IP’s Managing Director Mr Karri Leskinen were present at the gala.
Dupes are legal and openly marketed as alternative options to the original products, often at a lower price. They are intended to provide a similar experience or aesthetic appeal at a more affordable price. Manufacturers of dupes typically market their products openly as alternatives or “inspired by” certain brands or products. They do not claim to be the original products and often have their own branding or labeling to avoid confusion. This means that they are legitimate products, as long as they do not infringe on any copyright, trademark, or patent rights of the original products.
Counterfeits are unauthorized replicas or copies of branded products which are produced with the intent to deceive consumers into believing they are purchasing genuine items. Counterfeit products are designed to mimic the appearance, logos, trademarks, and packaging of the original products, aiming to pass off as authentic. Counterfeits are illegal, since they involve unauthorized copying or replication of protected intellectual property, including trademarks, logos, and copyrights. Producing, selling, or purchasing counterfeit products can result in legal penalties.
Unfortunately, not many people understand the difference between look-alike dupes and illegal counterfeits.
In recent years content around dupes has surged especially on TikTok: The hashtag #dupe has now gained more than 3 billion views on the app. A lot of bloggers and influencers are actively promoting copycats – both dupes and counterfeits. Finding dupes has escalated into one of the most popular trends in 2023 and TikTok functions as an effective dupes search engine.
Why dupes?
The reasoning behind dupes is that anyone can climb the social hierarchy of popular designer items by taking a shortcut with a dupe. The attraction of a product dupe is to get a desired look for less, and also to spread the details of the made purchase. The aim of a dupe is to recreate the product or look as closely as possible, but at a significantly lower cost.
Non-branded goods, be it clothing, accessories or cosmetics, have long been seen as a definite no-no. While cheaper brands have always existed side by side with designer and branded products, especially in the fashion scene, dupes have never been so openly worn before. It has become an achievement and especially cool among young people born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, to find and share the dupes of expensive designer goods. And TikTok is the platform to share all those dupes on with likeminded people. The platform has become a hub for trends and viral challenges. Just about any content where you present alternatives to desired designer items seem to gather views on TikTok. Gen Z has realized that presenting dupes is a successful way to create content.
The format of TikTok, with its short and engaging videos, makes it easy for creators to quickly showcase and explain dupes in an accessible and entertaining way. As a result, TikTok has become a go-to platform for users seeking budget-friendly alternatives and hacks, and the platform has greatly contributed to the rise of the dupes culture.
It is understandable that the dupes trend has become so attractive among the most active TikTok users who range from Gen Z to millennials. These age groups are focused on continuously giving out a perfect image on social media, and a person’s outer appearance and style has become a significant trait. These generations are tirelessly following fashion trends, but do not necessarily have the income to buy original designer goods or high-end brands. Their affordability makes dupes attractive to consumers who want to achieve a similar look or experience without paying a premium price. Dupes often emerge in response to popular trends or cult-favorite products. As consumers become interested in a particular item, demand for more affordable alternatives naturally arises. Dupes are accessible to everyone, irrespective of social standing or budget.
Dodgy dupes
Even if the popularity of dupes has soared, there are undoubtedly challenges related to the dupes culture. Fashion and appearance trends are constantly changing, and retailers, e-commerce marketplaces and fast fashion sites such as Shein, Amazon, DHGate, AliExpress and Taobao are more than happy to offer cheap low-quality goods to satiate this endless need. Unfortunately, without meeting environmental or social standards. The party to gain most from the dupes is the fast fashion industry. It is well-known for its lack of environmental and social responsibility.
As we cannot buy high-end versions of every fashion or cosmetics trend, consumers turn to cheaper, less reputable brands. In doing so, we forget all our original principles about product quality and design to stay on top of trends and present the perfect online image of ourselves.
Content creators and influencers get more views and followers when they are continuously presenting new and desired styles. It seems that in spite of the received criticism for the impact on the environment and the allegations of mistreatment of workers, fast fashion sales and the number of views are ever increasing. Dupes promote this toxic culture.
In a dupes culture, there is a diminished emphasis on originality and innovation. When people prioritize duplicating existing ideas or content, it stifles creativity and limits the development of new and unique contributions. A dupes culture may also inhibit progress by discouraging individuals from exploring new possibilities and instead favoring replication of what already exists. When duplication is ranked higher than originality, it leads to a proliferation of low-quality imitations. Focusing on quantity rather than quality can result in a lack of diversity and a homogenization of ideas and products. If duplication is encouraged and even celebrated, the efforts of individuals who have invested time and effort into developing and designing unique products become undervalued.
It has been said that unlike other creative sectors, there are rarely legal consequences for copying a design. If dupes are not technically counterfeits, should brands even be concerned? An increasing number of young content creators on various social networks are promoting not only acceptable dupes, but blatantly counterfeit goods and the videos “unboxing” these goods get millions of views. This way influencers shape the perception of dupes and counterfeits as being trendy, sassy and not at all harmful.
Plagiarism and varying degrees of intellectual property violations are indisputably consequences associated with dupes. If people are encouraged to copy or reproduce without proper authorization, it undermines the rights of creators and can definitely have legal consequences. Even if all dupes are not directly illegal, they can be at least morally dubious and have an impact on the original brands in the form of financial losses.
Ways to overcome problems associated with dupes
One way to overcome the problem with dupes is to increase public awareness about the negative consequences of dupes and to encourage consumers to make informed choices. We have to educate consumers about the importance of supporting original designs, the value of craftsmanship, and the impact of infringing products on each industry sector and its workers. We must shift people’s attention and make it attractive to both design and use quality goods. A recent article stated that the number of clothing items that it would be environmentally sustainable to purchase, is 5 items a year. This number should be something for all of us to strive to achieve.
Further, we should make it socially acceptable to support a version of dupes that just takes inspiration from a certain design without copying it directly. Enabling collaboration between designers, brands and manufacturers to create affordable fashion and other product lines for a wider range of consumers, would also help to bridge the gap between design items and affordable options. Especially fashion brands need to adopt ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices and to promote transparencyor risk fake products becoming even more trendy among the younger generations.
We should also strengthen intellectual property legislation and enforcement practices to protect original creations. Encouraging designers and fashion brands to actively register their trademarks and copyrights whenever possible, would make it easier to identify and take legal action against infringing products.
Laura Roselius is a Partner and IP Lawyer at Boco IP Oy Ab
