Clear victory for VILPE in the Unified Patent Court
The spirit level integrated into the cowls of VILPE exhaust pipes and roof fans is a distinctive, patented innovation that makes installation easier. VILPE has successfully defended this company-owned invention over the years, with the latest significant victory coming this spring.
In spring 2025, Polish company Wirplast challenged the validity of VILPE’s European patent concerning the spirit level and filed a lawsuit with the Unified Patent Court (UPC). The company sought the right for its distributors, for example in Germany, to sell similar products equipped with a spirit level. However, on 8 April 2026, the Unified Patent Court ruled in VILPE’s favour and dismissed the case. The victory was unequivocal, and the judgment is now final.
Practical experience in the construction industry proved decisive for VILPE
The Unified Patent Court’s decision was influenced by VILPE’s in-depth understanding of the construction industry, particularly that of founder Eero Saikkonen. Eero came up with the idea of integrating a spirit level into the cowl while out cycling, after noticing that many exhaust pipes on rooftops were installed at an angle.
Having worked in the construction industry for many years, Eero understood the practical realities of an installer’s work: when working alone, it is difficult to keep the pipe straight while simultaneously using a separate spirit level to ensure that it is properly aligned. By integrating a spirit level into the cowl, installation could be made significantly easier and more precise.
“Cowls for ventilation products and spirit levels had been available on the market as separate products for a long time. What was significant was that Eero realised they could be combined. No one else had previously thought of this seemingly simple yet extremely useful solution,” says Tatu Ahlskog of Laine IP, who represented VILPE in the patent dispute.
VILPE employees are proud of Eero’s invention. The company currently holds dozens of valid patents, as well as trademarks and registered designs.
“We successfully defended our intellectual property rights. A big thank you goes to Laine IP, with whom we have worked closely for many years. We are prepared to continue protecting our patents and innovations in the future,” says VILPE CEO Tuomas Saikkonen.