Our office received recommendations in all three categories: in the prosecution category concerning the management of patent applications we were ranked in the highest category, and we were also recommended in the litigation and prosecution categories. Our office is thus seen as a true one-stop shop for rights holders in all fields.

Our IP professionals were commended in the publication as follows:

Petteri Häkkänen (litigation)

Petteri Häkkänen is hailed as “an experienced patent litigator with a really keen eye for strategy”. As managing partner, he does a terrific job getting all parts of the firm pulling in the same direction.

Sampo Ylätalo ja Juhani Kupiainen (prosecution)

Sampo Ylätalo is “customer-focused at all times and a flexible solution seeker who really understands the long-term strategic needs of his clients”. He focuses on high-tech prosecution alongside electronics and telecoms maven Juhani Kupiainen, who handles patent, trademark and design portfolios with equal proficiency.

Akseli von Koch (prosecution & transactions)

Vital for a specialist in emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI, “true professional” Akseli von Koch is “quick to react to new issues and developments in the international market”.

Regina Pudas (prosecution)

“Efficient and persistent, Regina Pudas navigates applications through to successful grant very effectively” in the chemistry field.

For all results, see IAM rankings pages at: IAM Patent 1000 Rankings Finland

The final rankings in all categories are as follows:

Trade mark contentious, Tier 1
Trade mark prosecution, Tier 1
Patent contentious, Tier 3
Patent prosecution, Tier 3
Copyright & related rights, Recommended

Managing Intellectual Property also separately listed persons meriting IP Star categorisation.
IP team leader and Partner Petteri Häkkänen was chosen alongside Heinonen’s EU Trade Mark and Design Attorney Juhani Kupiainen in the Trade mark star and Patent star category. Partner Markku Varhela was also commended and ranked in the Trade mark star group.

The IP STARS categorisation is based on extensive research which starts annually in September and lasts for six months. The research team seeks information from companies and their clients through interviews and email and online enquiries.

See the full rankings on the Managing IP website

Our office was ranked in the silver band in the following:

- Enforcement and litigation
- Prosecution and strategy

In the WTR Review, our company is described as follows:

“One-stop shop Eversheds Sutherland “has one of the finest teams in the country”. “Capitalising on the network of its global powerhouse, the Finnish contingent joins forces with subsidiary Heinonen & Co, which registers tens of thousands of marks, to dish up holistic counsel that serves the international aims of its customer base.”

In addition, the Managing Director of Heinonen & Co, Petteri Häkkänen , was ranked in the gold band in the Review.

For all WTR 1000 results, see the World Trademark Review’s website .

The Managing IP Rising Stars list was launched last year. The individuals selected as rising stars typically have less than 10 years’ post-qualification experience and are below partner level. This year’s publication is based on the information obtained from September 2018 to February 2019. The publication is produced by the independent IP STARS research team.

See all rankings on Managing IP’s website .

Chambers Europe 2019 acknowledgements in different practices:

Intellectual Property

Broad scope of expertise covering a range of matters related to IP and IT law. Strong trademark opposition and infringement expertise, as well as advising on unfair competition issues, patent infringement cases and design rights matters.

Notable practitioners:

Markku Varhela is known in the market for his work on copyright matters and has experience with IP disputes.

Clients praise Petteri Häkkänen as a "skilful lawyer" who provides "excellent customer service." His expertise includes trademark and patent disputes as well as marketing law.

Tuukka Airaksinen has special expertise in trademark matters including invalidation actions and litigations.

Restructuring/Insolvency

Established team with strong experience acting as administrator on both bankruptcy and corporate restructurings, at both domestic and global levels. Good reputation advising clients on creditor protection measures and collection of receivables. Expertise also includes asset recovery and criminal proceedings.

Ranked Lawyers:

Pekka Kokko is a veteran insolvency lawyer and offers considerable experience in bankruptcy and reorganisation cases. He comes highly recommended by interviewees who attest to both his experience and activity in the market.

Jari Salminen is head of the practice and wins extensive plaudits from clients and peers alike, with one interviewee labelling him a "very good, very experienced insolvency lawyer." He is best known for his work acting as administrator for bankruptcy estates in the technology and transport sectors.

TMT

Combines experience within IT and IP rights, including on licensing issues, transactions, data protection and disputes. Also has experience in the media industry and new technology in the social media and financial services sectors.

Notable practitioners:

Juha Taipale has experience advising a range of clients from the telecommunications and technology sectors on licensing, contract and M&A matters. He also advises on investments in these areas.

Dispute Resolution

Recognised for handling complex dispute resolution matters, as well as having a particular focus on white-collar crime cases. Notable activity in business secrets-related disputes. Advises on matters related to the TMT and banking sectors, and enjoys a strong reputation in the area of intellectual property disputes. Additionally represents clients in cartel and follow-on damages litigation.

Notable practitioners:

Niina Mickelsson heads the department and is a key contact for clients.

Our Corporate/M&A and Competition/European Law expertise have also received Europe-wide recognition.

Of our IP practice, the following were recognised as Ranked Lawyers:

• Tuukka Airaksinen
• Petteri Häkkänen
• Markku Varhela

More information on the Chambers and Partners website.

Managing Intellectual Property publishes annually an internationally renowned listing of the best experts in the field. The selection places particular emphasis on the development and substantial accomplishments of specialist companies.

The firm achieved good rankings in various practice areas as follows:

-      Banking and finance, Tier 3
-      Commercial, corporate and M&A, Tier 4
-      Dispute resolution, Tier 3
-      Employment, Tier 3
-      EU and competition, Tier 3
-      Intellectual property, Tier 2
-      Real estate and construction, Tier 3
-      TMT, Tier 3

On top of the firm rankings, Partner Juha Taipale has been ranked as leading individual in TMT and Partner Tuukka Airaksinen as leading individual in Intellectual property. All in all, The Legal 500 2018 has commended the following individuals in their respective practice areas:

Banking and finance
- Harri Tolppanen
- Juha Taipale
- Merja Blankenstein

Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Juha Taipale
- Merja Blankenstein

Dispute resolution
- Janne Rainvuori
- Niina Mickelsson

EU and competition
- Kalervo Rötsä
- Marko Mononen
- Olli Hyvönen

Employment
- Heikki Tuomela
- Timo Jarmas

Intellectual property
- Tuukka Airaksinen

Real estate and construction
- Kai Salonen
- Sirkka Terho

TMT
- Juha Taipale

Quotations from the Chambers Europe 2018 guide:

Band 2: IPR - Intellectual Property

Broad scope of expertise covering a range of matters related to IP and IT law. Also advises on unfair competition issues, patent infringement cases and design rights matters. Benefits from close ties to a large team of patent and trade mark attorneys.

Strengths  Clients appreciate that the lawyers "respond to clients' needs at very short notice.”
“They know our business very well,” says another interviewee, adding: "It is easy to work with them and they provide immediate feedback.”

Trade mark specialist Tuukka Airaksine n (Band 1) is well regarded in the market for representing clients in infringement litigation. Interviewees also laud his international expertise, saying that he "stands out for his vast knowledge of IP law in Finland and in other Nordic countries, where he can also give in-depth advice."

Petteri Häkkänen (Band 2) frequently leads trade mark infringement and unfair competition disputes. He also assists with non-contentious issues. He attracts significant praise from peers as a high-profile and experienced trade mark lawyer.

Peers highlight Markku Varhela (Band 4) for his advice to clients from the media, entertainment and communications industries on copyright and marketing issues.

Band 2: Restructuring/Insolvency

Established team with strong experience acting as administrator on both bankruptcy and corporate restructurings, at both domestic and global levels. Good reputation advising clients on creditor protection measures and collection of receivables. Expertise also includes asset recovery and criminal proceedings.

Strengths  Interviewees report that the firm has a "broad presence" and is "good at insolvency." Market commentators highlight the firm's "notable market presence."

Jari Salminen (Band 1) is endorsed for his "superior subject matter expertise" and rises to the top band this year following excellent market recommendation. Interviewees highlight his "ability to get through to the other side in difficult negotiations" and "great communication skills." He represents clients in both restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings, and was appointed administrator of the Seppälä bankruptcy estate. Salminen is the head of the firm's insolvency department.

Pekka Kokko (Band 3) is described as "a very experienced lawyer with strong capacity" in this area. He handles bankruptcies and restructurings, frequently being appointed as an administrator.

Band 3: TMT

Combines experience within IT and IP rights, including IT procurement, licensing issues, transactions, data protection and disputes. Also has experience in the media industry and new technology in the healthcare, social media and financial services sectors. Active for tech companies of late with regard to insolvency proceedings.

The team's international network stands out to clients, who note: “It is good to have advisers who have resources in more than one jurisdiction.” Sources also value that the lawyers “respond to customers' needs at very short notice” and that they are “reliable and flexible in their working method.”

Interviewees note that Juha Taipale (Band 3) is “a very experienced IT lawyer.” He advises on a broad spectrum of issues, including data protection and licensing.

Band 4: Dispute Resolution

Recognised for handling complex dispute resolution matters, as well as having a particular focus on white-collar crime cases. Active in the TMT and banking sectors, and enjoys a strong reputation in the area of intellectual property disputes. Additionally represents clients in cartel and follow-on damages litigation.

Clients appreciate the “trustworthy” lawyers, saying that they “deliver what they promise and give in-depth legal advice.” Another interviewee praises the team's “analytical approach and billing flexibility.”

Niina Mickelsson heads the department and is a key contact for clients.

Quotations from the Chambers Europe 2018 guide:

Band 2: IPR - Intellectual Property

Broad scope of expertise covering a range of matters related to IP and IT law. Also advises on unfair competition issues, patent infringement cases and design rights matters. Benefits from close ties to a large team of patent and trade mark attorneys.

Strengths  Clients appreciate that the lawyers "respond to clients' needs at very short notice.”
“They know our business very well,” says another interviewee, adding: "It is easy to work with them and they provide immediate feedback.”

Trade mark specialist Tuukka Airaksine n (Band 1) is well regarded in the market for representing clients in infringement litigation. Interviewees also laud his international expertise, saying that he "stands out for his vast knowledge of IP law in Finland and in other Nordic countries, where he can also give in-depth advice."

Petteri Häkkänen (Band 2) frequently leads trade mark infringement and unfair competition disputes. He also assists with non-contentious issues. He attracts significant praise from peers as a high-profile and experienced trade mark lawyer.

Peers highlight Markku Varhela (Band 4) for his advice to clients from the media, entertainment and communications industries on copyright and marketing issues.

Band 2: Restructuring/Insolvency

Established team with strong experience acting as administrator on both bankruptcy and corporate restructurings, at both domestic and global levels. Good reputation advising clients on creditor protection measures and collection of receivables. Expertise also includes asset recovery and criminal proceedings.

Strengths  Interviewees report that the firm has a "broad presence" and is "good at insolvency." Market commentators highlight the firm's "notable market presence."

Jari Salminen (Band 1) is endorsed for his "superior subject matter expertise" and rises to the top band this year following excellent market recommendation. Interviewees highlight his "ability to get through to the other side in difficult negotiations" and "great communication skills." He represents clients in both restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings, and was appointed administrator of the Seppälä bankruptcy estate. Salminen is the head of the firm's insolvency department.

Pekka Kokko (Band 3) is described as "a very experienced lawyer with strong capacity" in this area. He handles bankruptcies and restructurings, frequently being appointed as an administrator.

Band 3: TMT

Combines experience within IT and IP rights, including IT procurement, licensing issues, transactions, data protection and disputes. Also has experience in the media industry and new technology in the healthcare, social media and financial services sectors. Active for tech companies of late with regard to insolvency proceedings.

The team's international network stands out to clients, who note: “It is good to have advisers who have resources in more than one jurisdiction.” Sources also value that the lawyers “respond to customers' needs at very short notice” and that they are “reliable and flexible in their working method.”

Interviewees note that Juha Taipale (Band 3) is “a very experienced IT lawyer.” He advises on a broad spectrum of issues, including data protection and licensing.

Band 4: Dispute Resolution

Recognised for handling complex dispute resolution matters, as well as having a particular focus on white-collar crime cases. Active in the TMT and banking sectors, and enjoys a strong reputation in the area of intellectual property disputes. Additionally represents clients in cartel and follow-on damages litigation.

Clients appreciate the “trustworthy” lawyers, saying that they “deliver what they promise and give in-depth legal advice.” Another interviewee praises the team's “analytical approach and billing flexibility.”

Niina Mickelsson heads the department and is a key contact for clients.

On individual level our IPR-specialists are ranked as follows: Tuukka Airaksinen - Band 1, Petteri Häkkänen – Band 2 and Markku Varhela – Band 4. In Corporate/M&A Anu Mattila is on Band 3 as Foreign Expert based in Finland.

Quotations from the Chambers Global 2018 guide:

Band 2: Intellectual Property

Chambers Commentary (based on the Chambers research):

Trade mark specialist Tuukka Airaksinen is well regarded in the market for representing clients in infringement litigation. Interviewees also laud his international expertise, saying that he "stands out for his vast knowledge of IP law in Finland and in other Nordic countries, where he can also give in-depth advice."

Petteri Häkkänen frequently leads trade mark infringement and unfair competition disputes. He also assists with non-contentious issues. He attracts significant praise from peers as a high-profile and experienced trade mark lawyer.

Peers highlight Markku Varhela for his advice to clients from the media, entertainment and communications industries on copyright and marketing issues.

Band 4: Dispute Resolution

“Handles complex dispute resolution matters and white-collar crime cases, with particular activity in the TMT and banking sectors. Niina Mickelsson heads the department and is a key contact for clients.”

Four Eversheds Sutherland lawyers have been recommended as being among the best advisors in their field in The Best Lawyers in Finland 2017-2018 publication as follows:

Arto Palsala - Construction
Juha Taipale - Information Technology Law
Petteri Häkkänen, Markku Varhela - Intellectual Property Law
Markku Varhela - Media Law
Juha Taipale - Technology Law
Markku Varhela - Telecommunications Law

Best Lawyers® rates lawyers in 70 countries around the world. The publication’s ratings are based on experts in various fields of business law nominating the experts that they consider to be best in their field.

Four Eversheds Sutherland lawyers have been recommended as being among the best advisors in their field in The Best Lawyers in Finland 2017-2018 publication as follows:

Arto Palsala - Construction
Juha Taipale - Information Technology Law
Petteri Häkkänen, Markku Varhela - Intellectual Property Law
Markku Varhela - Media Law
Juha Taipale - Technology Law
Markku Varhela - Telecommunications Law

Best Lawyers® rates lawyers in 70 countries around the world. The publication’s ratings are based on experts in various fields of business law nominating the experts that they consider to be best in their field.

Quotations from the Chambers Global 2017 guide:

Petteri Häkkänen is a seasoned IP litigator who routinely handles cases of infringement, business secrets and unfair business practices. Clients say: "He is very experienced in IP rights issues and has a good business mind." He recently represented Veikkaus in a dispute with Unibet relating to alleged unfair business practices and infringement of trade marks on internet websites.

Markku Varhela is a copyright law expert who offers experience in marketing and consumer protection issues. He recently represented author Sofi Oksanen in two disputes against Bazar Publishing and its Swedish subsidiary before the Helsinki District Court.

In addition, our Dispute Resolution team is listed on Band 4 and M&A team mentioned as Recognised Practitioner.

Quotations from the Chambers Global 2017 guide:

Petteri Häkkänen is a seasoned IP litigator who routinely handles cases of infringement, business secrets and unfair business practices. Clients say: "He is very experienced in IP rights issues and has a good business mind." He recently represented Veikkaus in a dispute with Unibet relating to alleged unfair business practices and infringement of trade marks on internet websites.

Markku Varhela is a copyright law expert who offers experience in marketing and consumer protection issues. He recently represented author Sofi Oksanen in two disputes against Bazar Publishing and its Swedish subsidiary before the Helsinki District Court.

In addition, our Dispute Resolution team is listed on Band 4 and M&A team mentioned as Recognised Practitioner.

Quotations from the Chambers Global 2017 guide:

Petteri Häkkänen is a seasoned IP litigator who routinely handles cases of infringement, business secrets and unfair business practices. Clients say: "He is very experienced in IP rights issues and has a good business mind." He recently represented Veikkaus in a dispute with Unibet relating to alleged unfair business practices and infringement of trade marks on internet websites.

Markku Varhela is a copyright law expert who offers experience in marketing and consumer protection issues. He recently represented author Sofi Oksanen in two disputes against Bazar Publishing and its Swedish subsidiary before the Helsinki District Court.

In addition, our Dispute Resolution team is listed on Band 4 and M&A team mentioned as Recognised Practitioner.

Quotations from the Chambers Global 2017 guide:

Petteri Häkkänen is a seasoned IP litigator who routinely handles cases of infringement, business secrets and unfair business practices. Clients say: "He is very experienced in IP rights issues and has a good business mind." He recently represented Veikkaus in a dispute with Unibet relating to alleged unfair business practices and infringement of trade marks on internet websites.

Markku Varhela is a copyright law expert who offers experience in marketing and consumer protection issues. He recently represented author Sofi Oksanen in two disputes against Bazar Publishing and its Swedish subsidiary before the Helsinki District Court.

In addition, our Dispute Resolution team is listed on Band 4 and M&A team mentioned as Recognised Practitioner.