Hilkka Kerminen

Hilkka Kerminen supports Kolster’s clients in the selection, use, management, and strategic utilization of commercial identifiers—trademarks and domain names—in ways that strengthen their business.

Over the course of her career spanning more than three decades, Hilkka has handled a wide range of trademark matters both in Finland and internationally. She has extensive experience with EU trademarks, the international trademark registration system, and national practices across different jurisdictions. Domain names and related global procedures are also among her areas of expertise.

Before joining Kolster as a Trademark Specialist in 1999, Hilkka worked for ten years as an industrial property assistant at an international food company, where her responsibilities also included patent-related matters.

Hilkka views comprehensive trademark protection as a fundamental part of brand building. It provides a solid foundation and pillar of support upon which long-term success can be securely built in collaboration with clients.

IP expertise

• Assisting with the selection of commercial identifiers (trademarks and domain names) and providing guidance on their use
• Handling national trademark applications, EUTM applications, and international trademark registrations under the Madrid system throughout the entire process
• Collaborating with clients on goods/services classifications; managing office actions and responses; oppositions and trademark watch services; cancellation proceedings
• Optimizing and forecasting trademark application costs
• In-depth knowledge of country-specific practices and requirements for trademarks
• Domain name registration, transfers, and related consulting

Client industries

• ICT
• Automotive
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Information and communications
• Consumer goods
• Financial services
• Media and entertainment
• Public services
• Freight and logistics
• Health
• Technology
• Industrial machinery and equipment
• Software
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Measuring instruments and technology
• Telecommunications

IPR sector memberships

• Finnish Association of Industrial Property Rights