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

Business Essentials for Scientists (BES) 5.-22.10.2020 in Turku – our expert lecturing

Business Essentials for Scientists (BES) 5.-22.10.2020 in Turku – our expert lecturing

Business Essentials for Scientists (BES) (2 ECTS) is a course aimed at doctoral students at University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University. After the course the doctoral student has a basic understanding of business development and commercialisation in the academia.

News | 10.9.2020
Laine IP Leverages Collaboration to Enhance U.S. Prosecution

Laine IP Leverages Collaboration to Enhance U.S. Prosecution

Laine IP Oy (Laine IP) has had an internal U.S. Team, located in Helsinki, to handle U.S. patent and trademark prosecution since 2010. The close collaboration of the U.S. Team with our other experts is a key component in securing the strongest global Intellectual Property (IP) rights for its clients.

News | 1.9.2020
Speeding up US Patent Prosecution; Track One and Fast Track Appeal

Speeding up US Patent Prosecution; Track One and Fast Track Appeal

Since 2011, prioritized examination has been available for U.S. patent applications via the Track One pilot program.  Now, the newly announced Fast-Track Appeals program provides the opportunity to request …

News | 2.7.2020