“IP is at the heart of the Board Discussion – most of the company value is created by innovations and brand”
Timo Helosuo, MSc (Econ.), MBA, has a notable international career of over 25 years with technology companies and multinational companies. He held an executive position at Nokia in the US and Finland, where his duties included the introduction of new products on the global consumer goods market and the active development of the mobile game ecosystem. Timo has worked as director of management consultant services at the multinational consulting, technology and outsourcing services provider Accenture. Timo is actively involved in issues related to business between Europe and China. He is the representative for Finland at the EU–China Business Association EUCBA, Chairman of the Finland–China Trade Association, and an active advisor for both European and Chinese companies and authorities in IP issues. Timo is a strong believer that innovations and their utilisation can benefit both individuals and the wider society. “Through creativity and innovations, we can solve the problems of today and build a better tomorrow.” In 2014, Timo was awarded the Fellowship of the British Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). Timo believes that most innovations are a result of interactions between people. Family and children are an important part of his life. Timo’s free time is often spent in shared family activities. Professional Memberships INTA Leadership Development Committee Finland–China Trade Association EU–China Business Association EUCBA The Strategic Management Society of Finland Directors’ Institute Finland DIF
”A good IP strategy includes systematic creation of intellectual property rights as well as evaluating the competition and IP risks.”
Krister Karlsson has extensive technology expertise in the fields of organic chemistry, biochemistry and chemical processes, in-depth IP strategy know-how, as well as experience in IP disputes from the Market Court in Finland. Krister is experienced in evaluating IP activities as a whole and integrating the IP strategy into part of the business strategy. During his career, Krister has worked as a university researcher, patent attorney with Kolster (2005 to 2010), as well as an in-house patent attorney and IPR Manager in the oil refining industry. Before returning to Kolster in November 2018, he worked for three years as a technically qualified judge at the Market Court − in practice as a patent specialist in all appeal and dispute cases concerning patents and utility models in Finland. Krister’s experience in international dispute resolution in industry, and experience in a Finnish IP court have contributed to gaining insight on how and in which situations it is worthwhile to appeal against the decisions of the patent offices of Finland, Europe, or the United States, and what it takes to be successful in patent disputes.
"Our firm has always looked towards the future."
Kolster Oy Ab has been a family business since its establishment in 1874. Kim Kolster, who represents the fifth generation of the family, has been on the company's management team since 2007 and has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors since spring 2016. He has taken on the challenge of steering the company towards handover to the next generations. Internationality, continuity and acting as a pioneer in the IP industry have always formed the cornerstones of Kolster's operations – and will continue to do so.
Customer satisfaction is the most crucial measure of success in services business.
Sari Leinonen leads the Global Paralegal Services business unit at Kolster and is responsible for the delivery, quality, and customer experience of IPR services. She specializes in commercialization, operational excellence and building digital capabilities. Before coming to Kolster, Sari worked in a startup focused on digital transformation in the field of construction tech. This experience provided her with insights into the unique needs of small growing technology companies. In this role, she served as the Business Growth Director, overseeing the entire business execution including sales, marketing, and research and development. Additionally, Sari was involved in government and publicly funded research initiatives through Business Finland and EU. Sari has also spent over a decade in the cybersecurity industry in wide array of specialist and leadership roles. These encompass product management, professional services, and business management duties. Apart from her role in the Global Paralegal Services unit, Sari is a member of Kolster's executive team. She actively contributes to the company's strategic development projects, commercial activities, and operational improvements.
“It felt great to return to Kolster to work in a community of experienced professionals. Together we can offer our customers the best possible expertise.”
Marika Aartio has worked in the IP sector and in Kolster from 2002 to 2016 and returned to strengthen our team in autumn 2021. She has solid and versatile experience in administrative tasks in national, European and international patent applications from the initiation of applications to the granting of patents. Marika is also familiar with the processes of trademark applications.
All process stages of Finnish, national, European and international patent applications Country-specific practices and requirements in patent applications European patent validations
“Communicating with clients, handling diverse work tasks and learning about innovations in the field keeps me sharp and motivated.”
Raili Ahokas has worked as an patent assistant since 1985. She has extensive experience in the formalities and administration of all stages of the patenting process. She is primarily responsible for the initiation and processing of EP and PCT applications and holds the sector’s latest information on their formalities. Raili also manages the international application process for national applications. Ask Raili for advice on all matters related to the formalities of patent applications.
Finnish, national, EP and PCT application processes Country-specific practices and requirements in patent applications EP validations Transfers of rights in EP and PCT patent applications
Peter Banks studied at the University of Cambridge, graduating with master’s degree in Natural Sciences, and specialising in Materials Science and Physics. Banks started his career in IP working at the UK Intellectual Property Office as patent examiner, working across a broad range technical areas such as 3D printing, welding, alloys, packaging and tools. Banks then worded four years as a Patent Attorney in a patent agency in Nottingham, UK. Banks worked in all aspects of patent matters, including patentability searching, freedom-to-operate, drafting, prosecution and giving post-grant advice. Banks has experience in helping a diverse group of clients, all the way from lone inventors to universities and multi-national companies.
”Let’s work together to find the solutions!"
Gudrun Dromberg is a business-driven, practical and solution-oriented human resources professional with long experience in both operative and strategic personnel manager duties. Gudrun Dromberg has worked with Kolster in various duties since 1998 and has been involved in influencing a variety of change processes. Ask Gudrun about: HR processes Recruitment Development of expertise Employment matters Occupational health and welfare Would you like a front-row seat to the IP sector and see the future of innovations and brands? If you are interested in developing as an IP sector professional, send us your free format application. We are always on the lookout for the best IP sector talents to join our team, and your competence profile may very well match our needs. You can send your open application to address rekry@kolster.fi.
“The interesting part of my work is the multi-stage patenting process that requires one to be always up to speed with the changing rules of the EPO.”
Merja Ekström has over 20 years of experience in handling European patent applications from their initiation to granting and in the validation of granted patents. She is also well-versed in novelty searches and time limits of patent applications filed directly to national offices. Merja is currently expanding her field to PCT applications. Right now, she works with the electrical engineering unit.
European patent applications European patent validations Transfers of rights in European patent applications Novelty searches Initiation of international patent applications
“Trademarks are close to my heart.”
Trademarks have been an inseparable part of Barbro Heikkinen's work since 1990. She is part of the trademark team and manages a wide range of trademark assistant tasks. Assignments related to the management of trademark registrations form a central part of her duties. Barbro is fluent in Swedish, Finnish and English.
Correspondence with domestic and international clients, trademark offices and international partners Reporting and invoicing Preliminary evaluation of trademarks Trademark watch Management of trademark registrations: renewals, changes of owner, transfers, licences, rights of lien.
”In my work, I’m fascinated by variety, having a range of challenging tasks, and developing them.”
Ann Homström's long career in the IP sector began in 1991. She has served as an IP specialist and been in charge of IP processes – particularly during the official action and granting stage and in the payment of annual fees – on a global basis. Ask Ann for practical advice on issues such as various deadlines during the official action and granting phases.
Finnish and national patent application processes Monitoring and payment of patent applications and annual fees
“Everything starts with the needs of the client’s business.”
Ossi Huhtanen joined Kolster and the IP sector in 1994. He has accumulated experience and expertise in the searches, investigation and protection processes and oppositions and infringements related to a variety of applications in the fields of electrical and mechanical engineering. He also has diverse experience in the development of the IP processes of clients, such as IP strategies and practices and IP training. Ossi is a European Patent Attorney and he holds a MSc. in Electical Engineering.
IP PROTECTION: Counselling: protection alternatives, courses of action, optimisation; technology protection: patents and utility models; handling of application process in Finland and internationally: official actions, responses; oppositions to registrations and patents claimed by competitors IP STRATEGY: IP expert opinions for financiers; IPR Due Diligence in corporate acquisitions; IPR audits and recommendations for actions; cost optimisation and forecasting; annual IP maintenance: evaluation, optimisation Searches and assessment of the possibilities for protection: Novelty searches, patentability assessment; technology investigation, assessing the level of technology IP risk management: Verification of the freedom to operate; competitor monitoring: protections, protection activity: oppositions, appeals, annulments; infringement statements and scope of protection analyses DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: court proceedings in disputes (infringements, injunction and annulment actions) EMPLOYEE INVENTIONS: Consulting, statements, codes of practice for employee inventions IP TRAINING: IP seminars; tailored corporate training
Paper machinery Construction engineering Environmental technology Transport and traffic HPAC Industrial automation Automatic control engineering Sensor and electrical measurement engineering Power electronics Electronics Opto-electronics Lighting technology
epi – Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys FICPI – International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys, Executive Committee Delegate for Finland
Automotive Consumer goods Energy Paper and forest industry Public services Freight and logistics Health care High tech Industrial equipment Pharmaceuticals & medical products Electric measurement technology Utilities / cleantech
”The best reward for my work is a satisfied client.”
Riitta Huttunen has worked in the IP sector with the industry and agencies since 2002. She has wide-ranging experience in domestic and foreign patenting processes. Riitta is currently responsible for the initiation and processing of domestic and national patent and utility model applications within the electrical engineering unit. In addition, she manages the entire application process of certain clients in cooperation with agents. Communication with clients and international agents is an important part of her work.
Finnish, national, EP and PCT application processes Country-specific practices and requirements in patent applications
"I want to be involved in building good partnerships."
At Kolster, Jaana Jalovaara is responsible for the international partner network through which we offer IPR and Legal Services all over the world. Since its founding in 1874, Kolster has built a unique international partner network collaboration. Together with selected IPR Law firms, we look for process quality and efficient way of working, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration. Our attorneys work side by side with international colleagues to seek best solutions and quality for clients IPR needs. Jaana has been in Kolster since 2009. She has worked in many roles; in purchasing tasks, as a team leader, in marketing and sales.
“A positive service attitude goes a long way.”
Paula Juntunen has had a long career in the IP sector since 1988. She has worked as an IP assistant for both patents and designs and has trained herself as an IP professional with extensive knowledge of the sector. Paula handles domestic and foreign patent and utility model applications through all stages of their processing from initiation to the granting of the patent. She also has experience in managing design rights. Ask Paula for advice on all matters related to formalities in patent applications.
All process stages of domestic patent and utility model applications Country-specific practices and requirements in patent applications Finnish patent and utility model applications Transfers of rights All process stages of domestic and European design applications Country-specific practices and requirements in designs
“Towards a competitive edge.”
Electronics, circuit design, design of customised ASIC circuits Digital technology Space technology Communications engineering
Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys
ICT
"Well-managed financial processes are part of business quality."
Senior Business Controller Minna Kauppinen coordinates Kolster's financial operations. In addition, she is responsible for accounting, financial planning and monitoring processes, and the related systems and tools. Her responsibilities also include the financial management of Kolster Group's international business. Minna has extensive experience in financial management roles in a variety of operating environments and organisations.
"I ensure that the customer’s patent commissions are handled on time."
Minna Koivisto has worked as an IP assistant involved with patents since 2001 and has trained herself as a patents professional with extensive knowledge of the sector. Minna independently manages several patent process stages and is responsible for ensuring, for example, that all of the formalities are in good order when submitting applications to the patent office, or responding to its decisions or oppositions by competitors. Her daily work includes correspondence with domestic and foreign customers and agents, invoicing and the monitoring of deadlines.
All process stages of Finnish patent and utility model applications National and EP patent applications, the entire handling process
"It's great to be part of Kolster's expert team."
Marjo Korkeamäki has worked as an IP Assistant with Kolster since 1999. She manages all stages of the EP application process from the initiation of an application to the granting and validation of the patent. Marjo’s work also involves managing Finnish patent and utility model applications, as well as international patent applications.
European patent applications European patent validations International patent applications Initiation of Finnish patent and utility model applications Transfers of rights in European and international patent applications
"Intellectual property rights are an elegant combination of technological development with legal protection and economic value in business."
Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen specialises in electrical and mechanical applications in various industries. He has over 10 years of experience in IPR in electrical and telecommunication companies in Finland and the Netherlands. Before moving to Kolster in 2009, Veli-Matti had been working for nearly 10 years as a European patent and European trademark and design attorney in the patent and trademark sector. He has wide-ranging expertise in both technology and IPR. He also has extensive experience in patent disputes, court proceedings concerning patent rights and licence negotiations.
Patenting process from drafting the patent application to its granting and opposition matters Novelty searches, assessments of freedom to operate Patent disputes, patent court proceedings, licence negotiations IP strategy workshops & IP training, IP consulting
Electrical engineering, automation technology Mechanical engineering Communications engineering
epi – Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys Finnish Association for Corporate Patent Agents Finnish Association of Industrial Property Rights
Automotive Consumer goods Energy Oil & gas Paper and forest industry Freight and logistics Health care High tech Industrial equipment Electric measurement technology Utilities / cleantech Telecommunications
Financial Specialist Henna Laitinen supports the business and develops our financial management processes. Henna’s work focuses on the area of invoicing and accounts receivables. Henna has extensive experience in financial management tasks and workspaces.
“I always try to find the most effective way of working for both us and our customers! It is essential to provide clear options for customers, so that they can make decisions that are best suited for them.”
Nina is an authorised Trademark and Design Attorney in Finland and a European Trademark and Design Attorney. She has worked both in industrial companies that own intellectual property rights and in patent and trademark firms during her career since 1989. This provides a good starting point for identifying the IPR needs of different companies and being able to provide them with the right types of services. Nina's mission is to develop the Direct filing operations and Kolster's paralegal services, which will lead to improvements also in our customers' business operations. Nina has experience in large international projects, both as a project leader and as a member. Prior to joining Kolster, she held an IP Counsel position at an international industrial group, where she was responsible for, among other things, the company's trademarks together with her German colleague. An example of a significant IPR portfolio management project was the transfer of approximately 30,000 patents within the group in the name of another group company in approximately 65 different countries – in cooperation with Kolster. Nina, who returned to Kolster from an industrial group, has worked at Kolster on trademarks for the first eleven years of her career, and over the years, she has also become very familiar with patents and designs. A long career in intellectual property rights has brought strong professional expertise, and in addition to her work, Nina has also supplemented her business administration studies with studies in law. She has also acted as a member of the IPR Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and in the Trademark Contact Committee of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office Register (PRH). Nina likes to question old practices and enjoys developing new, more effective practices. Nina is inspired by the development of new services and truly listening to customers. “My professionalism is definitely an advantage, but my passion for process development also brings an added element to this. It is also important to have the courage to express views that the customer is not able to receive from other sources. Instead of vague responses, customers deserve concrete advice and alternative operating models. Our task is to act as an expert for the customer and provide answers when the customer needs them, or to even identify the customer's needs before the customer. I hope our team will convey to our customers the feeling that nothing is impossible for us!”
Trademark registrations and application management throughout the process Design right registrations and application management throughout the process Management of patent and utility model applications throughout the process Patent validations in Finland and abroad IP rights transfer and maintenance, IPR portfolio management Development of IPR processes IPR databases such as Patrawin, Dennemeyer, CPA Memotech, Anaqua
Protecting innovation, one patent at a time.
Mika-Matti Laurila is a doctoral graduate in electrical engineering from the University of Tampere. Before joining Kolster, Mika-Matti spent approximately ten years at the University of Tampere working on various research projects related to printed electronics. In the last two and a half years, he led his own research project focused on the manufacturing of stretchable biosignal sensors designed to be placed on the skin. Mika-Matti also has experience in areas such as MEMS packaging, mechanical energy harvesters, and transistors.
Electrical Engineering Electronics Sensor Technology Biosignal Measurements Stretchable/Flexible Electronics Materials Science related to Electronics Emerging Manufacturing Methods in Electronics (Printed Electronics)
Automotive Consumer goods Energy ICT Industrial equipment Software Electric measurement technology Telecommunications
“Patent Pending – two words to keep your competitors in check. Applications are best filed as early as possible!”
As a patent attorney, Ville Lehtonen has gained strong and diverse experience in the protection of inventions in the fields of electric power engineering, power electronics, electronics and communications engineering both in Finland and abroad. He has prepared patent applications particularly for various solutions related to electric power production and the distribution and transmission of electricity, electric drives, wireless and wired communication network solutions and software and online applications. His strength is versatile and broad expertise in electrical engineering that combines excellent command of the fields of electric power engineering, electronics and communications engineering.
Technology protection: patents, utility models Application process management in Finland and internationally Novelty searches, patentability assessment Oppositions Expert opinions
Electric power engineering Power electronics Electronics Communications engineering
Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys
Automotive Consumer goods Energy Paper and forest industry Freight and logistics Health care High tech Industrial equipment Electric measurement technology Utilities / cleantech Telecommunications
Suvi Lukkarinen is a Master of Science in Technology, specializing in computational engineering, who graduated from Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT). Lukkarinen started at Kolster soon after graduating with her master’s degree in technical physics from Lappeenranta. In her master's thesis work, she studied the optical properties of new battery materials with various data analytical methods. Lukkarinen has also previously worked in the process industry and in various customer service roles.
“A good patent application is worth the investment. It is too late to improve the protection once an opposition or dispute is already pending.”
Antti Maaranen has experience in the IP sector since 2001. His core specialities include the protection of solutions related to electrical device assemblies and electrical networks. In addition to patents related to converters, electric machines and the physical composition of electrical installation equipment, Antti has protected solutions related to electrical device assemblies and the management and monitoring of electrical networks, as well as inventions related to the cooling and moisture management of electrical device assemblies. He also has experience in innovations in electricity production, from solar and wind power to traditional condensing and back-pressure power plants. What is common for many protected inventions in electrical engineering is the improvement of energy efficiency. Over the years, Antti has also protected innovations related to, for example, security printing, packaging and plastic moulding technology, as well as various mechanical devices and structures.
Patenting process from drafting the patent application to its granting and opposition matters Expert opinions on the scope of protection of patents Patent infringement evaluations
Electrical engineering Mechanical engineering
epi – Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys
Automotive Consumer goods Energy Oil & gas Paper and forest industry Freight and logistics Health care High tech Industrial equipment Electric measurement technology Utilities / cleantech
"Patenting has a significant role in turning your research and innovations into products."
Ria is a biomedical engineer (MSc), whose speciality is in tissue engineering and biomaterials. In addition to her MSc studies in Tampere University of Technology, she spent six months studying in Tohoku University, Japan, where she was a part of the Bone Regenerative Engineering research project, which focused on developing a bioceramic composite material for bone tissue engineering. During her stay in Japan, she participated in publishing of two research papers and gained valuable experience from working in an international environment. This experience was further deepened after returning to Finland, when she continued doing research in the Bioglasses, Bioceramics and Biocomposites research group in Tampere University. Ria first got interested in patenting through her minor studies in industrial engineering where she learned about the importance of productization; The time it takes to get a new product into the market is especially long in the medical field so it’s important to protect your innovation through patenting.
Biomedical engineering Tissue engineering Biomaterials, bioactive glasses and bioceramics Health technology Chemistry, biotechnology
Biotechnology Chemistry Life sciences Health care
“I enjoy problem-solving.”
Rami Mansour is a technical solutions specialist and problem-solver. His main task area is the functionality of Kolster’s enterprise resource planning system (ERP) in order to ensure the uninterrupted handling of client commissions. He actively takes part in various IT development projects and in ensuring the functionality of interface boundaries between different software. Rami finds the solutions to technical problems with our IT tools and software interfaces. He also enjoys problem-solving on his free time in escape rooms.
"Independent work and problem solving are the best aspects of my job. A satisfied customer is the alpha and omega of what I do."
Minna Mikkola works in the chemistry unit, managing patent processing issues with a focus on the official action and acceptance phases. She is also well-versed in novelty searches and the time limits of foreign patent applications. Minna is deepening her expertise in PCT application processes. Her duties include monitoring deadlines, liaising with foreign patent agencies and offices, as well as reporting, invoicing and customer service. She has been with Kolster since 1997.
Application process management in Finland and other countries: official actions, approval, oppositions Novelty searches in national offices
“Important R&D projects deserve a sound IPR foundation.”
Simon Mügge has a strong patent expertise from the German IPR field as well as extensive specialized expertise in protecting innovations related to life sciences and chemistry innovations since 2007. Simon has extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting applications before the European Patent Office (EPO) and the German Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, he has special knowledge and experience in post-grant opposition and appeal proceedings. He has successfully represented his clients in both defensive and offensive roles in these challenging patent disputes and IP infringement cases between competing companies. Through his patent attorney career, Simon has broadly protected innovations in many applications in the life sciences and organic and inorganic chemistry. His patent clients include a wide range of start-ups and SMEs, as well as global corporations, universities and research institutes. He is well aware of the different IPR needs and strategies of the scientific world and companies of all sizes. The chemical, pharmaceutical, bio fuel, food and animal feed, detergent and cosmetics industries are examples of familiar client industries. Simon holds a doctorate in biochemistry from Bielefeld University, specializing in immunology. He has a strong scientific background and twelve years of experience as a patent attorney in Germany before transferring to Kolster in November 2019. Simon Mügge was awarded the Managing IP ‘Rising Star’ award in 2018 and 2019.
Analysing and evaluating of inventions, novelty searches Patenting process from drafting the patent application to its granting in Europe, German and international markets IP-strategies and patent lifecycle management, expert analyses on the scope of protection of patents, prior art assessments Opposition and appeal procedures in European patent office (EPO) and the German Patent and Trademark Office Monitoring competitors, freedom to operate analyses, patent landscapes IP conflict management, patent infringements and infringement statements, nullity actions Employee inventions
Life sciences, biotech, biochemistry Pharmaceuticals Vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, antibiotics Immunology, oncology, neurology Therapeutic and non-therapeutic methods Bio-catalyzed processes, fermentation processes Genetics, proteomics, transgenic plants, stem cells Analytic, diagnostic, and screening processes Probiotics Enzymes (food, detergents, bio-fuel production) Food chemistry, animal nutrition Customer care products, cosmetics Green technology Nanotechnology
epi – Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office Chamber of German Patent Attorneys (Patentanwaltskammer) FICPI – International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys
Biotechnology Chemistry Consumer goods Life sciences Public services Health care High tech Natural resources Pharmaceuticals & medical products Utilities / cleantech
"Transforming research into value through the power of intellectual property"
Dr. Alicia Ortega earned her Ph.D. from the University of Malaga, Spain, specializing in nanotechnology for biomedical applications. Alongside her doctoral studies, she completed Master's degrees in Health Biotechnology and Monitoring Clinical Trial and Pharmaceutical Development. Besides her involvement in university research and preclinical trials, she has experience in business intelligence and the communication of scientific advancements. Her introduction to the domain of intellectual property commenced during her tenure at the Innovation and Technology Transfer Office of the Andalusian Regional Health Government, Spain. This initial exposure kindled her curiosity, propelling her towards a career in the intellectual property field, culminating in her current role at Kolster.
Biotechnology Chemistry Life sciences
“In my work, I am fascinated by the fast pace of design protection, direct customer contacts, and the opportunity for a vantage point to the protection of new designs.”
Eva-Maria Packalén has experience in the IP sector since 1989. She has worked as an IP assistant for both patents, trademarks and designs, and has trained herself as an IP professional with extensive knowledge of the sector. Eva-Maria has wide-ranging skills in application processes and an excellent understanding of how various forms of protection compliment each other in diverse targets of application in the protection of innovations and new designs. Since 2013, the focus of her responsibilities has been on the protection of designs. Ask Eva-Maria for practical advice on all issues related the protection of designs, in particular.
All stages of the process for national design applications, community design applications, and designs applied from the international registration system Preliminary evaluation of designs, cost optimisation of design applications Country-specific practices and requirements for designs: photographs and illustrations Transfers of rights Assisting IP lawyers in infringement and opposition matters related to designs
“Close cooperation with the client is the be-all and end-all.”
Kirsi-Marja Pitkänen began working at Kolster in 1989. Her specialisation is polymer chemistry. In this field, her patent commissions typically deal with oil industry products such as compositions of plastics, lubricants or fuels. She is also familiar with applications in the food and paper industries. Before her career as a patent agent, Kirsi-Marja Pitkänen put her chemistry studies to practical use at a position with a Swiss pharmaceutical company producing paper chemicals.
Patenting process from drafting the patent application to its granting and opposition matters in Finland and internationally: patents, oppositions, appeals, utility models Counselling: protection alternatives, courses of action, optimisation Employee inventions: evaluation of invention reports, processing of employee inventions Expert opinions on the scope of protection of patents, scope of protection analyses, prior art assessments Patent infringement evaluations, infringement statements IP strategy and consulting IP expert opinions to financers
Polymer chemistry Organic and inorganic chemistry Analytical chemistry Nanomaterials
epi – Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys Finnish Association of Industrial Property Rights Finnish AIPPI Group – International Association for the Protection of Industrial Property
Chemistry Life sciences Oil & gas Paper and forest industry High tech Natural resources Pharmaceuticals & medical products
The rapidly changing patent regulations ensure constant on-the-job learning, and I am delighted to be able to instantly apply new teachings to practical work with clients.”
Minna Rantanen has worked with Kolster since 1998 and is specialised in foreign patent and utility model applications. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience in country-specific application practices. Ask Minna for advice on the time limits and formalities for applications filed outside Finland.
Initiation of foreign patent and utility model applications and country-specific practices
“In addition to the Tampere and Pirkanmaa regions, I travel flexibly within Central Finland and Savonia for client meetings.”
Reijo Rantanen has experience in the IP sector since 1999. His areas of expertise include, in particular, solutions related to wood and paper processing technology and energy production and distribution, as well as various automation equipment and systems, automatic control engineering and measuring technology, lifting equipment, transportation and logistics solutions and rock drilling equipment. Before joining Kolster, Reijo had several years of experience as a researcher and project manager with a research unit of an international electric power and automation technology company.
Patenting process from drafting the patent application to its granting in Finland and internationally Oppositions and appeals related to patents Novelty and preliminary searches and assessments of freedom to operate Expert opinions on the scope of protection of patents Patent infringement evaluations IP strategy Counselling and consulting
Electrical and mechanical engineering, automation technology Wood and paper processing technology Energy and electricity distribution technology Transportation technology and logistics Automatic control engineering, signal processing, automation
epi – Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office
Automotive Consumer goods Energy Paper and forest industry Public services Freight and logistics High tech Industrial equipment Electric measurement technology Utilities / cleantech
”The best reward for my work is a thankful client and a solved problem.”
During her long career since 1995, Tua Rehnberg has worked with a wide range of tasks related to patents. She has most experience in managing all stages of foreign patent applications, from official action, acceptance and granting to their maintenance, i.e. the management of yearly patent fees. She is also well-versed in managing the processes for European patent application from their initiation to granting and national validations, as well as the entire process for Finnish patent applications. Currently, her work focuses on the yearly fees of patent and design registration renewals. Tua will also advise on all matters related to the granting of patents and the management of patents and design registrations.
Finnish patent and utility model applications Acceptance and granting of foreign patent applications Yearly fees of patent applications and patents Design renewals and yearly fees Transfers of rights
"I want to clear my task list as quickly as possible."
Roni Robot has been training at Kolster since May 2018 his assignments. Roni's first task is to make delivery of incoming emails to Kolster to corresponding recipients as quick and efficient as possible. Roni is very committed employee and with his permission he is working (almost) 24 hours every day of the year. Roni is helping Kolster's customers also over the weekends and during holiday seasons. Responsibilities incoming email classification and delivery to corresponding parties invoice automation learning phase: wordcount and analysis of email attachments
“How can companies get more out of their innovations? It is interesting to evaluate patenting as part of a bigger picture, from a business perspective.”
Lassi Saarela, M.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering), joined Kolster’s team of patent attorneys in October 2020. His expertise includes machine design and manufacturing technologies, from conventional methods such as casting and CNC machining to the latest production technologies. New technologies such as 3D printing and laser cutting are Lassi’s areas of expertise and special interest. He also has a basic knowledge of programming, CAD design and the utilisation of 5G networks and the industrial internet (IoT) in the manufacturing industry. Besides technical expertise, Lassi has studies in production economics and, through it, the ability and interest to evaluate patenting as part of a bigger picture, from a business perspective. "I have a broad interest in new technologies and the evolving world – including how patents can be used to make a profit. I want to take an active role in this development in collaboration with clients.” Before his career with patents, Lassi has work experience in the industry alongside his studies over a period of eight years. He has worked in various positions in production, plant engineering maintenance and in production planning in the leading paint company in the Nordics. He has gained a good overall understanding of an industrial company’s production processes. In patent expertise, the bar is set high. Lassi is inquisitive and keen on learning new. Through his athletic hobbies, he is a competitive nature who wants to excel at his work. Lassi also has a skill few Finns possess: besides English, the standard working language of patent attorneys, he speaks fluent Polish. Thanks to his family background, he is well-versed in the culture of Central Europe and also speaks German.
Technology protection: patents, utility models Application process management in Finland and internationally: official actions, responses
Mechanical engineering Production technologies Production economics Internet of things (IoT) in the manufacturing industry
Automotive Consumer goods Public services High tech Industrial equipment Electric measurement technology
“I enjoy the diverse nature of my work.”
Tarja Saarikko has had a long career in the IP sector since 1988. She has worked with patents in IP assistant duties. Tarja has previously managed tasks related to the annual fees of patents and patent applications and assignments related to the granting stage of patents. Since 2012, her area of responsibility has included EPFI validations and their essential translation coordination. Tarja’s duties also include the filing of patent and utility model applications and PCT and SPC applications to the Finnish office.
EPFI validations Translation coordination Filing national patent and utility model applications, PCT and SPC applications to the Finnish office Annual fees
“I enjoy the diverse range of tasks and the fact that no two workdays are identical.”
Anne Salejärvi joined Kolster in 1991 and has had a long career in the IP sector with patent cases. She manages tasks related to Finnish, European and international patent applications. Anne also has prior experience in foreign patent applications. Anne works in the ICT/Mechanical unit.
International patent applications European patent applications European patent validations Initiation of Finnish patent and utility model applications Transfers of rights in European and international patent applications
Solution Owner Amanda is responsible for the KolsterCore™ enterprise resource planning system of Kolster. Amanda is an experienced ServiceNow expert and manages the system maintenance and development by coordinating with the stakeholders. Additionally, she arranges user trainings, provides UI testing, and instructs staff on reporting.
“I find it fascinating how the IP sector challenges to a constant reorientation of your way of thinking.”
Minna Seppänen joined Kolster as a patent attorney in 2001. She is specialised in the patent protection of chemical industrial processes and telecommunications technology applications. Through assignments in the drafting and continued hearing of patent applications, Minna has gained understanding of a wide range of fields, such as petroleum refining, water treatment and metallurgy. In the ICT sector, her areas of expertise include network services, software-based solutions and mobile and wireless network technologies. She has handled patent applications in the application areas of information technology, mechanical engineering and bioinformatics, and performed various preliminary searches related to patenting. Before her career as a patent attorney, Minna has experience in research work, quality management systems and software development.
Patenting process from drafting the patent application to its granting and opposition matters. Technology protection: patents, utility models Application process management in Finland and internationally: official actions, responses Assessments of freedom to operate Counselling: protection alternatives, courses of action, optimisation Employee inventions: evaluation of invention reports IP consulting
Chemical technology, polymer technology, engineering chemistry Process engineering and materials technology Information technology, computer networks, embedded systems Telecommunications and mobile technology Bioinformatics
epi – Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office Association of Finnish Patent Attorneys
Biotechnology Chemistry Life sciences Oil & gas Paper and forest industry Health care Natural resources Utilities / cleantech
"Swept up by the patenting maelstrom for almost 20 years."
Päivi Siltanen's career in the world of patents began in 2002, so she is familiar with a wide variety of patentable inventions from a range of distinctive customer industries. Päivi takes care of all stages of the patenting process, from filing applications with the office to the granting of the patent. Much of her work involves communicating with customers and partners globally.
National and EP patent applications throughout the handling process Official action phase of European patenting
Our Financial Specialist Kaija Silvennoinen supports the business and develops our financial management processes, especially in the area of invoicing. Kaija has extensive international experience in financial management tasks. Kaija has been at Kolster since 2021.
"I’m completely enthralled by the IP sector. Even after years of working in this field, you still feel there’s so much more to learn. In short, it’s challenging and fascinating!"
Kaisu Spets-Vainio has worked in the patent sector since 1995 as an IP assistant, and for many years also as Assistant Supervisor. She has solid and versatile experience of patent formalities and the issues involved in patent applications in general. Kaisu is well acquainted with all the phases of the application process, from filing the application all the way to application acceptance and the granting of the patent.
Patents and utility models Tasks related to the patenting process in Finland and abroad; filing of patent applications, reporting official actions, filing official action responses, tasks related to the acceptance phase, sending instructions to international agents The EP and PCT systems Deadline reminders Administrative tasks; reporting, electronic filing, invoicing Communication with clients and international agencies
"This job allows me to be at the very source of information, at the heart of customer relationships.”
As her main task, Päivi Suda is in charge of customer information, customer relationship management and new customer acquisition processes associated with our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. She is also the main user and the public face of our IPR Control service for customers. Contact Päivi Suda if you want to update your business or contact information in our databases, or hear more about our free-of-charge IPR Control portal for the real-time management of your IP portfolio. Päivi joined Kolster in 2002. She served for several years as a patent assistant before moving to sales, marketing and customer support.
Main user of IPR Control Handling of Finnish patent applications European patent validations in Finland
"Nobody should be left to struggle with international challenges on their own. Can I help your business to expand into new markets?”
Lidia has strong experience of bringing potential business partners together around the negotiating table. If necessary, she can also act as an interpreter in negotiations and meetings. Lidia's working languages include Russian and Finnish. Just get in touch! Lidia is also a financial management professional with extensive experience. At Kolster, she is responsible for key areas such as accounting and ledger, and is involved in developing financial management processes.
"In my role as a patent agent, I also wish to create better relationships between Finnish and Chinese companies."
Julia Urbanec is highly proficient in technology especially when it comes to materials science and processing, metals forming, and steels manufacturing technology. Before entering the patent sector and Kolster in January 2019, Julia worked as a researcher and PhD student at Aalto University. In her research and further studies, she familiarised herself with metallurgy, process modelling, and, in particular, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and testing of low-alloyed steels. Part of her materials science and engineering studies she has completed in the USA, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Julia also has work experience in product development in the steel industry, where one of her major projects was getting to know the patents relating to wear-resistant steel from the point of view of competitor monitoring and focusing the product development of the company. Julia was born in China and is thus well versed in Chinese. She came to Finland with her family at the early age of six. If need be, she can also act as an interpreter for Finnish or Chinese companies that wish to protect their inventions in China or Europe and to start new business operations. At Kolster, Julia focuses on the protection of inventions both by our domestic and foreign clients in the various application areas of mechanics, in particular.
Technology protection: patents, utility models Application process management in Finland and internationally: official actions, responses
Materials science Materials processing and synthesis Mechanical properties of steel and manufacturing technology Heat treatment Metals forming
Automotive Consumer goods Oil & gas Paper and forest industry Public services Freight and logistics Health care High tech Industrial equipment
“It is interesting and motivating to follow the Client’s product development from a very early stage and provide advice from an IP perspective with personal and practical experience.”
Sinikka Veittola has diverse experience in the IP sector since 1998. She is specialised in materials technology and its related commissions regarding protection or various analyses. Sinikka also provides advice on business subsidies related to IPR. In addition to her career in the patent sector, Sinikka has experience in research and product development and entrepreneurship in an SME.
Novelty searches, patentability assessment Technology investigation, assessment of technical level Technology protection: counselling on protection alternatives and courses of action for patents and utility models, drafting applications, application process management in Finland and internationally Competitor monitoring: protections, protection activity Scope of protection analyses, ensuring the freedom to operate Competitor monitoring: oppositions, appeals, annulments
Materials technology Mechanical engineering
Chemistry Consumer goods Paper and forest industry Public services Health care High tech Natural resources Pharmaceuticals & medical products Utilities / cleantech
”Over the course of my career, I have seen methods develop from typewriters and envelopes to electronic processes.”
Tina Winqvist has had a long career in the IP sector since 1987. Her duties include the filing of and all formalities related to patent and utility model applications, SPC applications and EPFI validations to the Finnish patent office. Her tasks also include managing databases, monitoring time limits, correspondence, reporting and invoicing. Tina is fluent in Swedish, Finnish and English.
Domestic patent and utility model applications to the Finnish office SPC applications EPFI validations Formalities
”Can I help to localise your company’s brand in China – or from China to Europe?”
Zhangping is a seasoned Chinese Intellectual Property Specialist. She hails from South China and pursued studies in Beijing and Finland. At Kolster since 2015, Zhangping has assisted our European clients in penetrating the Chinese market, efficiently managing IP issues such as brand and technology protection, IP strategy, and IP commercialization. Zhangping has aided our European corporate customers, particularly in areas such as brand and technology protection, IP strategy, trademark, and domain name localization. She has conducted various IP analyses based on information from the Chinese trademark register and other sources. Zhangping also assists European companies with partner background checks in China and facilitates business negotiations where IP plays a crucial role. Additionally, she has provided assistance to our Chinese corporate customers with IP matters in Europe. Prior to joining Kolster in 2015, Zhangping gained work experience in technology industries at Beijing-based companies. During her time in Finland, Zhangping has been involved in sales and promotion of international brands for several years. Zhangping serves as a Committee Member of the China Trademark Association International Exchange and Development Committee.
