Preliminary trademark searches
What
With the help of our experts, it is worthwhile to map out the risks related to the protection and use of trademarks in a timely manner through preliminary trademark searches. Without a prior investigation, there is a risk that you will infringe marks or trade names previously protected by others.
Why
Legal risks associated with the trademarks may at worst prevent the protection of your trademark. Legal risks associated with the use of the mark may result in a need to change your own trademark, or prevent its use in some countries.
To minimize the risks, it is a good idea to do a preliminary search before using the mark. The purpose of the search is to determine which similar marks or trade names related to similar products or services have previously been protected. Preliminary trademark searches should also be carried out when a mark already in use is introduced in, or sought to be protected in new countries.
Our preliminary search determines the types of products and services the mark is intended to be used for as well as the countries in which the mark is to be used. Our written search report also includes a recommendation for further action.
The preliminary examination also assesses whether the mark is distinctive, i.e. that it does not describe the characteristics of the products to be protected. The distinctive character of a mark is a key requirement for the registrability of the mark.
Our preliminary trademark searches provide valuable information about the risks associated with registering and using a trademark. With the help of preliminary trademark searches the client avoids selecting a trademark with significant risks associated with its use or registration.
The information obtained from a preliminary search is especially valuable when planning the appearance and the exact range of products and services a trademark is to be registered for.
A preliminary search also provides valuable information, even though the brand has already been launched. The result of the search enables informed decisions to be made about where and for which products and services the trademark should be protected in order to reduce risks. The search can also produce valuable information in which countries the mark is not recommended to be used.
Contacting
Before the search
Search, analysis and reporting
Meeting and next steps
Pricing examples
Please note that the price estimate for a trademark application depends in part on the amount of time it takes to complete the application. This is affected, for example, by how accurately the products and services covered by the mark are described, whether there are ready-made images of the mark and how much expert preparation and consultation is required.Word mark, EU area, BocoMatch search
Rapid preliminary search of the freedom to use and register a trademark in the EU area. Attention is on previous trademark registrations that contain an identical word and concern similar goods or services. The study is carried out using the Corsearch ExaMatch tool.
Word mark, EU area, BocoCheck search
Extensive prior examination of the freedom of use and registration of the trademark in the EU area. Attention is on previous trademark registrations and business names containing identical or similar words concerning similar goods or services. The research is carried out using the Corsearch ExaMatch tool.
Would you like to get a preliminary price estimate for a service that best meets your needs?
Our solutions
Applying for and registering protection
Agreements
Disputes
Other legal services
Please do not wait with your questions too long. Ask us for advice.
Björn Törngren
The most fascinating aspect of working in the IPR field is the opportunity to explore new innovations and help transform abstract ideas into valuable, tangible assets. My goal is to guide clients toward securing the best possible protection for their inventions, ensuring that their creativity and hard work are properly safeguarded.
I hold a doctorate in Chemical Engineering and have a strong technical background, having previously worked as a researcher specializing in ceramics, inorganic materials, and coatings. In addition to these core areas, I have gained valuable industry experience
in a range of cross-disciplinary applications, including optics, printed electronics, and sensor technologies.
Since 2017, I have been working in the IPR sector. Throughout this time, I have accumulated experience from both the perspective of an examiner at a national patent office and that of an applicant. This dual insight has given me a comprehensive understanding of the entire lifecycle of an invention—from its initial conception and invention disclosure to various strategies for protection, culminating in worldwide patent prosecution. I am also experienced in conducting novelty and patentability analyses as well as freedom-to-operate searches, supporting clients in making informed decisions at every stage of their innovation process. Employed by Boco at since 2025.
Kirsi Hakkila
I started my career as a software engineer and later transitioned into the role of IP Manager in software companies. I have focused particularly on software inventions, including solutions implemented with AI tools. In addition to patents, I have gained experience with trademarks, domain names, and copyright issues related to software, such as copyright registrations, disclaimers, click-wrap licenses, and open-source matters.
I have conducted novelty searches and freedom-to-operate assessments, as well as handled competitor monitoring and licensing agreements. I am familiar with the specific practices of both the United States and European patent offices.
I am currently undergoing the accreditation process to become a European Patent Attorney and am expanding my patent expertise with a focus on patent drafting.
I hold a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in water supply, and have also studied extensively in computer science and programming.
Professional Memberships: Patent Engineers Association, Finnish Industrial Property Association
Hobbies: Floorball, swimming, orienteering, cycling, playing the guitar, renovation, dog care, reading
Timo Kuosmanen
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.
Mia Niemelä
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.
Suvi Haavisto
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 an authorized trademark attorney in Finland, a licensed legal counsel authorized to represent clients in courts in Finland as well as a European Trade Mark and European Union Design Attorney.
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.
Antti Pörhönen
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.
Petri Nieminen
I lead Boco's consulting and training services and serve as an expert in strategic consulting. As an accredited Design IP Strategy specialist, I provide market and competitor analyses, patent valuation services, as well as training and workshop sessions.
My previous experience includes leadership and consulting roles in the Finnish operations of Accenture and BEA Systems (now part of Oracle). As an entrepreneur, I helped create an innovative commercialization service at Iprbox Oy, whose business was acquired by Boco in 2008. Since then, I have proudly been a part of the Boco team.
Karri Leskinen
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.
