K.Hartwall is a global provider of smart logistics solutions, specializing in load carriers and automation systems for supply chains. The Finnish company is known for its long-term innovation in product design. 

Jack Grönholm, Head of Product Development and responsible for the company’s IP portfolio, shared how switching to PatentRenewal.com has improved their IP renewal process and internal workflows.

Manual IP renewals slowed internal processes

Before switching to PatentRenewal.com, K.Hartwall handled renewals through an IP law firm. While the previous setup worked, it came with limitations, particularly around transparency, portfolio overview, and time management.

Jack had to rely on a combination of scattered email notifications and a manually updated Excel sheet to track IP renewal activity. Without a centralized tool, budgeting and collaboration with other departments required extra effort.


Key challenges they faced included:

  • Receiving multiple individual emails per month for each renewal
  • Manually maintaining their patent records in an internal Excel sheet
  • Limited visibility into upcoming renewal costs or budgeting forecasts

“I might have gotten tens of emails during a month since they didn’t have the tool to look through the assortment we have of patents. Also I didn't really have good visibility on what costs would come in the next month or year.”

Lower costs and a better solution

When Jack first learned about PatentRenewal.com, it led to an in-depth discussion about the service and its potential benefits. The decision to switch wasn’t initially part of a broader strategy, but two factors stood out quickly: price savings and the software platform.

After comparing pricing on several cases, the cost advantage was clear. But equally important was the platform’s ability to provide portfolio oversight and support strategic decision-making.

“The main reason for the change was that we saw a price benefit for us, but then there was the presentation of the tool and how we can follow up our IPRs through the tool, which sounded very, very interesting.”

Seamless workflow with centralized IP renewals

The switch to PatentRenewal.com has led to clear improvements in internal collaboration, time savings, and budgeting accuracy.

"This process works more smoothly for me today, you can clearly see what the cost is for which country, which case, and so on.”


Jack highlighted several key benefits they’ve experienced:

  • Centralized IP renewal workflow: The team receives a single monthly email summarizing upcoming renewals, allowing for easy internal reviews and decision-making.
  • Improved budgeting and forecasting: The IP renewal software’s budgeting view makes it easier to project future costs and communicate with finance.
  • Transparent cost breakdown: Currency rates, service fees, and renewal fees are clearly visible in the system, something they lacked before.
"It's very clearly stated in the renewal report, and we finally know what we pay for.”
  • Reduced manual workload: Fewer touchpoints are needed, and the IP renewal software requires minimal day-to-day interaction once the setup is complete.‍
  • Scalable IP renewal platform: The team has since expanded from patent to design renewals, with plans to possibly add trademarks in the future.

“It makes my job life easier here to manage an IP renewal, it doesn't require a lot of hours to answer or respond to. All the cases are listed in one place, and it just works perfectly for us.”

Easy IP renewals with full cost transparency

By switching to PatentRenewal.com, K.Hartwall gained efficiency, cost transparency, and a better process for managing their IP renewals. The IP renewal software now plays an integral role in helping Jak and his team make informed IP decisions with ease.

"The one word that comes to my mind when I think about PatentRenewal.com is efficiency. Everything is set up, and it works perfectly. The experience has been very positive.”

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If you're looking to simplify your IP renewals and gain full visibility into your IP portfolio, request a free price comparison or book a meeting with our team to learn more.