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

Right to Priority – Patent Applicant has a Year to Make Decisions

The right to priority gives the applicant 12 months from the filing of a parent application to make decisions on whether to file further applications internationally.

News | 14.9.2021

Utility model

Utility model gives protection for a simple invention fast for a maximum of 10 years.

News | 31.8.2021

Laine IP Oy is responsible for updating the “Brown Book”

Laine IP Oy has taken on the responsibility to update the best known handbook of the IPR field for Finland, the “Manual for the Handling of Applications for Patents, Designs and Trade Marks Throughout the World”.

News | 3.8.2021