Valikko ☰
Seppo Laine

IPR basics

What are patents, trademarks and design rights? How does one apply for them, and what do I need to know beforehand? Check out this series of articles from our experts for a rundown on the basics of IPR.

Patent

A patent protects your invention. It is an exclusive right that allows you to restrict others from exploiting your invention commercially.

Trademark

A trademark is a sign that distinguishes the products and services of your company from those of your competitors, functioning as a distinctive symbol in the market.

Utility model

A utility model is a fast way to protect your invention. Similar to a patent, it enables you to restrict the commercial use of your invention by others.

Design right

A design right protects the industrial design of your product, or a part or detail of it. A registered design is an exclusive right that allows you to prohibit others from using your design.

Unitary Patent

A Unitary Patent (UP) is a new type of European patent that has unitary effect in the member states of the EU participating the Unitary Patent system.

Frequently asked questions

Our patent attorneys answer the most commonly asked questions – such as, can one patent a software program, and what is the difference between the ® and ™ symbols?

News

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

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)

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 What do you do if your application is deemed withdrawn?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)

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