The Legal 500

Backström & Co is a highly regarded boutique providing comprehensive IP support, including trade mark registration and patent litigation. Peter Backström is one of the markets’ most highly respected IP and litigation specialists. Petri Eskola and Markus Lampinen are experts in advising multinational companies on IP issues in Finland.

Attorneys at law Borenius Ltd ‘provides first-class service and urgently meets the needs of clients in IP matters’. The department, which is ‘regarded very highly for pharmaceutical patents work’, defended Actavist Group as it was sued by Novartis for patent infringement. The ‘exceptionally talented’ Lasse Laaksonen led in that case, which saw Novartis’ claims being rejected and with the claimant being obliged to pay compensation. Clients are ‘very confident’ in Pekka Tarkela’s patents expertise, while practice head Ben Rapinoja is ‘indispensable in defending clients’ or assessing rivals’ marketing practices’.

Castrén & Snellman acted in two patent and other IP litigations in Finland in the forestry industry. The first case was resolved successfully in the Supreme Court, and the second case is pending in the Court of Appeal. The team handles the full range of IP issues, and its clients include BMW, Google, Henkel, and Plusdial. IP specialist Arto Linnervuo has a wealth of experience and heads the team. The versatile Petri Rinkinen is also recommended.

Hannes Snellman Attorneys at Law Ltd has been highly active handling patent work relating to the pharmaceuticals industry. Practice head Kaisa Fahllund is ‘excellent’ for contentious and non-contentious matters, and has expertise in IT and telecoms issues. Fahlund is representing a major car manufacturer in two trade mark infringement cases. Panu Siitonen is an expert in telecoms and technology IP litigation and licensing.

Juridia Ltd Attorneys-At-Law’s large and dedicated practice is nationally respected for its expertise across all areas of IP including franchising, disputes, and enforcement. IT is a notable specialism. Hanna-Maija Elo and Petteri Häkkänen are recommended.

Roschier ‘provides very good, proactive service within agreed timeframes’. The team advises on IP searches, protection, enforcement, litigation, and commercial issues including licensing and technology transfers. Mikael Segercrantz is advising clients including Nokia and Eli Lilly on customs seizures and anti-counterfeiting, which are areas of expertise for renowned department head Rainer Hilli.

Bird & Bird’s IP practice supports the firm’s services to clients in sectors such as energy, media, IT, telecoms, pharmaceuticals and biosciences. Life sciences expert Ella Mikkola leads the team and is recommended along with Pekka Raatikainen.

HH Partners, Attorneys-at-Law, Ltd’s Esa Korkeamäki is a widely respected IP specialist with vast experience. He served as the first chairman of the Finnish Anti-Counterfeiting Group and is currently chairman of the Finnish Bar Association’s IP Expert Group. Martin von Willebrand recently represented Electronic Arts in a high-profile anti-piracy case, securing victory at the Supreme Court in what was the first European peer-to-peer administrator case at that level.

Krogerus’ IP department provides ‘extremely quick and timely responses and has in-depth knowledge’. A team led by the ‘responsive and practical’ Tuukka Airaksinen, who is described by one client as ‘one of the best attorneys in Finland’, is representing Rautaruukki Corporation in a multi-jurisdictional trade name and trade mark dispute, including infringement and validity issues. The team is acting as international lead counsel in this €17m dispute.

Merilampi successfully represented a bottle-recycling consortium in defending against patent litigation making significant claims against core aspects of the recycling systems. The team is led by disputes and regulatory expert Sakari Aalto.

Dittmar & Indrenius’ IP team mainly supports the firm’s highly rated corporate and M&A practice. The department is led by IP specialist Sakari Halonen with support from senior attorney Markus Mattila.

Hammarström Puhakka Partners, Attorneys Ltd recently represented Verkkokauppa.com, the leading Finnish e-commerce electronics retailer, in a trade mark infringement case in the Helsinki Court of Appeal. Practice head Markku Mäkinen is a technology and telecoms specialist. Klaus Nyblin and Pekka Puhakka are recommended for litigation.

Magnusson advises foreign and domestic clients on the full range of intellectual property matters, and has particular expertise in technology and IT matters. Practice head Jan Lindberg is an experienced and well-respected expert.

Peltonen LMR Attorneys Ltd provides litigation services in patent, trade mark and trade secrets cases, and also advises on IP protection strategy and agreements. The team recently advised the Helsinki and Usimaa Hospital District on a possible patent infringement and other assertions made by an exclusive EU licensee. Timo Sipi heads the team.

Procopé & Hornborg’s core expertise lies in copyright and trade mark law, with a particular focus on the media and entertainment industry. Lauri Rechardt represents a number of major domestic and international clients.

Waselius & Wist provides ‘good legal advice in good time, representing value for money’. Practice head Bernt Juthström, who is ‘business-oriented and nice to work with’, recently represented a leading online auctions company in a case regarding a competitor’s alleged infringement of a number of trade mark and other IP rights.