Our solutions /  Applying for and registering protection

Utility model

The utility model typically protects the so-called small inventions and device improvements, as it is able to protect technical ideas and solutions that do not maintain the level of patentability.
A utility model provides the right to prohibit others from making professional use of a technical, industrially available invention. The utility model typically protects the so-called small inventions and device improvements, as it is able to protect technical ideas and solutions that do not maintain the level of patentability. Unlike patents,  utility models cannot protect a method or use, but  they offer, in principle, the same type/level? of protection as  patents. Granting a utility model is much faster than registering a patent. In practice, the registration of a utility model is often successful within a few months, which allows, for example, faster intervention in infringements. In some cases, a utility model may be a stronger form of protection than a patent, as  lower inventive steps may make it difficult to invalidate the utility model.
Determination of the invention
The inventor (s) and the patent attorney will go through the invention at a kick-off meeting, or the inventor will provide a description of the invention to the patent attorney in another agreed way. The definition of the invention may be based on oral, written and / or pictorial material (drawings, photographs, videos, animations).
Preparation of a utility model application
The patent attorney prepares a utility model application proposal and reviews it with the applicant. In particular, the inventor (s) and / or other representatives of the applicant will evaluate the scope of the proposed claims and the description of the invention from a technical point of view. Typically, the process of preparing a utility model application involves 1-3 rounds of commenting and editing.
Registration of a utility model
The registration of a utility model is performed by submitting the application to the Patent and Registration Authority and paying the registration fee. Utility models are subject to a registration procedure. The registration authority will only examine the formal conditions for registration of a utility model. If necessary, the registration authority will issue an interlocutory injunction requesting the applicant to rectify the formal deficiencies in the application. The patent attorney typically assists the applicant in analyzing the interim decision, preparing a response, and submitting it to the Office.
Renewal of the utility model
In Finland, the utility model is valid for a maximum of ten years. The utility model is valid for four years from the date of application, after which it can be renewed for four years and then for additional two years. Renewal requires payment of a maintenance fee.

Pricing examples

Please note that the price estimate for a utility model application always depends on the time it takes to complete the application. This is affected, for example, by how accurately the invention is described, whether there are ready-made contours of the product or device, how accurate it is, what is known, whether the subject matter of the invention changes during the preparation of the utility model application and how many rounds of comments are required.
Example 1

Easy Utility model

3750 €
Example 2

Demanding utility model

5000 €

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Jonna Sahlin profiilikuva
Jonna Sahlin
European Patent Attorney, Chairman of the board, Partner
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European Patent Attorney, Partner
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Nina Virolainen
European Patent Attorney
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Sini-Maaria Mikkilä
European Patent Attorney
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Elina Heikkilä
IP-Lawyer, Member of the Board, Partner
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Jaana Hämäläinen
European Patent Attorney, Partner
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IP Specialist, administration and formalities
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Jonna Sahlin profiilikuva

Jonna Sahlin

European Patent Attorney, Chairman of the board, Partner

I am happy to advise and assist in various matters related to intellectual property rights and strategy, especially in the fields of chemistry, process technology, medicine, and diagnostics. I like problem solving and interaction with customers and colleagues, and I think the best results are usually achieved when the cooperation works smoothly. I handle patenting of inventions both in Finland and internationally, and in addition to prosecution of applications, I, among other things, also draft oppositions, freedom-to-operate analyses, and statements on the interpretation of patents.

I have been employed by Boco IP since 1998 and, after various tasks over the years,  I nowadays mostly work with patent matters. Since 2017, I have represented Finland as a council member of the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi) and as a Finnish member of the epi's Professional Conduct Committee (PCC).

Education
M.Sc. (chemistry, food technology, polymer technology)
Languages
Swedish, Finnish, English, German
Activities
Expert member of the Market Court Expert member, European Patent Institute (board member 2017-2023), Finnish Patent Attorneys Association (SPAY, chairman 2010-2013), active in co-operation with Nordic patent attorneys in the field of chemistry, AIPPI, FICPI, UNION, Finnish Association of Industrial Law (STY) and Finnish Chemists Society (SKS), swimming, running, downhill skiing, gardening
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Boco IP - Marja-Liisa Autti profiilikuva

Marja Liisa Autti

European Patent Attorney, Partner

I mainly deal with patenting in the fields of information technology, electronics and radio technology. The invention of many of the patent applications I have handled has been implemented as a computer program or software, but I am also no stranger to mechanical devices. In many cases, the inventions are combinations of devices and their control or processing of signals obtained therefrom. My job includes drafting patent applications, preparing office action reports and office action responses, handling opposition matters as well as performing novelty searches and technology mappings. I work as an authorized patent attorney, authorized by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office PRH. Prior to my career as a patent attorney, I gained 15 years of experience in patenting, IPR strategy and patent portfolio management in telecommunications field, as well as previous experience in research and development in the telecommunications and electronics industry. I have been employed by Boco IP since 2014.

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M.Sc. (electrical engineering: applied electronics, metrology, bioelectronics)
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Finnish, English, Swedish
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Orienteering, trail running, swimrun, geocaching, piano, gardening, genealogy
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Boco IP - Nina Virolaisen profiilikuva

Nina Virolainen

European Patent Attorney

I assist and advise our clients in protection of inventions in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry including diagnostics, molecular biology, microbiology, immunochemistry and process chemistry. My area of expertise is also the protection of biotechnology, bioenergy and cleantech processes and solutions. In addition, I assist our clients with employee’s inventions, competitor tracking, freedom to operate assessments and novelty searches.

I have worked in the patent industry since 2017. Before that, I have several years of R&D experience in developing and implementing innovative biotechnology and environmental technology solutions, both as a university researcher and at a startup company. I got interested in the IPR industry after being an inventor in patent applications myself, so I have multifaceted experience in turning research into protected inventions that add value to their owner. The best part of my job is getting a glimpse into pioneering research in many different fields!

Education
PhD (Environmental Biotechnology), M.Sc.
Languages
Finnish, English, Swedish, German
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Peter Åkerlund

IP Lawyer, Partner

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.

Education
LL.M., Master of Laws trained on the bench
Languages
Swedish, Finnish, English
Activities
The Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys, the Finnish Anti-Counterfeiting Group, IPR University Center Association, the Finnish Marketing Association MARK (several confidential posts in the above-mentioned organizations over the years), INTA, the Finnish Association for Industrial Property Rights, Juridiska Föreningen i Finland, literature, art, economy
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Sini-Maaria Mikkilä profiilikuva

Sini-Maaria Mikkilä

European Patent Attorney

I am happy to help with all kinds of IP matters, and especially with technical inventions, their protection by patents and utility models in Europe and internationally, and with matters related to defending IP rights, such as oppositions, appeals and infringement matters. I have worked as a patent attorney since 2008 and during the time I have helped to protect and defend a wide variety of inventions, but I am most experienced in protecting inventions related to machines and equipment and hydraulic, electrical and software control thereof, as well as components and geometries. I am also interested in hydraulics, measurements, automatic detection, and different types of sensor applications as well as user interfaces and energy technology applications.

I really like the versatility of patent attorney's work. In addition to patent prosecution, I am happy to advise clients on IP issues, such as planning IP and protection strategies, and employment invention matters. I find it interesting to analyse similarities and differences between solutions, and I like preparing expert opinions related to scope of protection and suspected patent infringement cases, for example. I also conduct novelty and technology searches. It is also important for me to increase IP awareness and, therefore, I also like to organize IP trainings and IP workshops.

I would like to encourage you to contact me especially if you work within an industry like industrial machinery or equipment, mobile machinery, automotive industry, mining, consumer products, paper and forestry, public services, freight and logistics, health technology, measuring equipment and technology, renewable energy, or telecommunications. However, please feel free to contact me in any other IP matters, as I am always happy to help you to find the best expert on any matter, whether it is me or someone else.

I started at Boco IP in 2021 opening our Tampere office, but I help clients all over Finland and abroad, in Finnish, English and Swedish. Besides IPR matters, I also have an extensive experience in developing and deploying processes and information system tools.

Education
M.Sc. (Automation Technology)
Languages
Finnish, English, Swedish, German, Russian
Activities
European Patent Institute (member), Finnish Patent Attorneys Association (member), FICPI ​​(member) Crafts and creative writing
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Boco IP - Elina Heikkilä profiilikuva

Elina Heikkilä

IP-Lawyer, Member of the Board, Partner

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.

Education
LL.M.
Languages
Finnish, English, Swedish, French
Activities
The Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys, The Finnish Association for Industrial Property Rights, International Trademark Association, The Finnish Anti-Counterfeiting Group, exercise, sailing, reading, antique, design
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Jaana Hämäläinen profiilikuva

Jaana Hämäläinen

European Patent Attorney, Partner

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.

Education
Ph.D. (plant pathology), M.Sc. (biotechnology, chemistry)
Languages
Finnish, Swedish, English, German
Activities
Expert member of the Market Court. Professional memberships: Finnish Patent Attorneys Association, AIPPI, European Patent Institute, Finnish Industrial Property Association, Finnish Chemists' Association. Jogging, Skiing, Reading, History and Genealogy.
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Elsa Peltola

IP Specialist, administration and formalities

I am Elsa Peltola, Boco IP's new IP Specialist. I studied social sciences as my major and minored in communications and business law. Boco's industry is new to me so I have a lot to learn. I'm lucky to have such amazing and competent colleagues to learn from. Looking forward to all the new challenges that this position offers!

Education
Master of Social Sciences
Languages
Finnish, Swedish, English
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