What kind of commercial activity does your company have in the South East Asian countries? – in which country/countries do you operate?

We provide IP & legal services to domestic and foreign companies. Kaulo & Partners has commercial activity through our global and local partner network everywhere where our clients are doing business − or plan to enter new markets. We do business in two directions: from Finland to South East Asia, and from South East Asia to Finland and other European markets. Our clients are Finnish, Asian, and other global brand owners who see trademarks as strategic assets. We help companies of all sizes to protect and defend their brands on new markets, globally, in South East Asia or in Europe, and manage potential business risks with carefully drafted agreements and legal advice.

What is the advice you would like to give to a Finnish company planning to enter the South East Asian market?

Don’t forget to integrate your brand rights strategy in market entry! The strategy should also cover intellectual property related agreements with your local representatives, distributors and partners to secure the investments in your brand rights. Prepare for the new market by filing trademark applications well in advance, and don’t leave the door open for trademark hijackers and copycats. Ensure that you have the legal right to sell your products and services under your own brand name on the new market.

How do you see the position of the South East Asian countries in your activities during the coming five years?

More and more of our clients are heading to the emerging markets in South East Asia. Finnish companies have high technology, special competence, and a good reputation on these markets. Now even startups seem to have more courage, ambition, and self-confidence to go international. Hopefully, with our trademark and legal expertise, we can boost and safeguard the success of many emerging brands in new markets − in both directions.

Your motto when doing business in the South East Asian countries?

Take good care of your brand and do not forget brand rights! Good advance planning and perseverance are rewarded. Enjoy the sun, local food, and remember to swim a lot 😊.

The main reason you want to belong to Finnish-South East Asia Business Association?

Our managing partner Jani Kaulo has lived and studied in Vietnam and China, and done business especially with Chinese, Vietnamese and other South East Asian companies. That’s how it all started. During the years, promoting business between Finland and South East Asia has become a matter of honor and a matter of the heart.

Please describe your company in a nutshell

Kaulo & Partners is a boutique IP law firm that has a mission and a passion to help companies increase the value of their brand rights and prevent legal problems by proactively advising companies in legal matters.

Something you would like to tell us about yourself

As law firm manager of Kaulo & Partners, I take care of the smooth running of our company’s day-to-day business administration, as well as marketing and communications. In Kaulo & Partners’ agile team I’m also supporting our company’s trademark specialists and lawyers in client assignments in paralegal role. And not to forget I’m a big fan of Asia, especially Thailand. Cannot wait to be able to travel again after the pandemic will be won. A big disappointment last year was that my long-planned vacation trip to Vietnam had to be cancelled.