Bright Ranking News Ends Grey January

Once again, Properta succeeds in the WTR 1000 (The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals) rankings, measuring the quality of legal services. We are especially proud that the WTR 1000 acknowledged the SodaStream – Mysoda -case in its comment on important IPR dispute resolution cases in Finland. Properta has acted as counsel for Mysoda Oy for years.  

Finland

According to the 2024 WIPO GII, Finland saw a slight decline its ranking, dropping down from sixth to seventh place but remaining in the top 10 most innovative countries. This is further exemplified by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH), which reports a decline in national trademarks applications, including international registrations designating the country every year. On the contentious front, a notable IP dispute between SodaStream and MySoda caught attention when the Finnish Supreme Court issued a judgment on 17 November 2023. SodaStream claimed that MySoda infringed its trademark by refilling and relabelling SodaStream’s gas cylinders while keeping the trademark visible. The case centred on an EU principle that a trademark owner cannot prohibit the use of their trademark on goods marketed in the European Union with their consent, but the owner can oppose further commercialisation for legitimate reasons. Ultimately, the Finnish Supreme Court ruled that SodaStream could prevent MySoda from refilling and relabelling its gas cylinders if it misled consumers about the products’ origins. This judgment is crucial for businesses in the circular economy, highlighting the need for clear labelling to prevent consumer confusion.

Properta was again ranked ‘Silver’ in the categories ’Enforcement and Litigation’ as well as ’Prosecution and Strategy’. Additionally, all experts in our IPR team were personally ranked and commented as follows

• Hanna-Maija Elo (Gold / Recommended – Individuals: “Anti-Counterfeiting” and “Transactions”)
• Kukka Tommila (Silver)
• Sassa Svahn (Bronze)

IP boutique Properta stands out as an exceptional choice for high-stakes disputes, renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence across all facets of its practice.” Spearheading the team is Hanna-Maija Elo. “Well known for her anti-counterfeiting practice, she is an excellent choice for clients aiming to combat trademark infringement. Her strategic approach and dedication make her a trusted ally in protecting intellectual property.” Kukka Tommila and Elo have established themselves as “leading trademark practitioners in Finland thanks to their outstanding work across in brand management and protection”. “An excellent young lawyer, Emilia Hodge is a name to note for complex disputes.” “With a brilliant understanding of her clients’ business and legal needs, she offers swift, transparent and actionable advice.” Portfolio management expert Sassa Svahn continues to carve a niche for herself as a go-to practitioner for a range of prosecution work, from searches to protection strategies. Her insights and unwavering commitment to her clients make her a prime choice for market leaders.”