How to Register a Trademark in Finland

Registering a trademark in Finland is a critical step for protecting your brand identity and ensuring legal rights within the Finnish market. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a global business, understanding Finland’s trademark registration process will help you safeguard your brand effectively. This comprehensive guide explains the steps, requirements, and key considerations for registering a trademark in Finland.

Why Register a Trademark in Finland?

Registering a trademark in Finland provides exclusive rights to use your brand elements within the country. It ensures your logo, name, or slogan is protected against unauthorized use, enhancing your brand’s reputation and legal standing. Additionally, Finland’s registration process accommodates multiple-class applications, making it convenient to cover a wide range of goods and services.

Steps to Register a Trademark in Finland

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing your application, perform a thorough trademark search to ensure that your proposed mark is unique. You can search the Finnish Trademarks, EU Trademarks, and International Trademarks databases to check for prior similar trademarks.

2. Prepare Your Trademark Application

To obtain the filing date, your trademark application must include:

• Description of the trademark
• List of goods and services covered by the mark (based on the Nice Classification)
• Applicant’s details
• Proof of payment of the filing fee

Applications can be submitted in English, Finnish, or Swedish. However, if filed in English, applicants must choose Finnish or Swedish as the processing language.

3. Submit Your Application

File your application with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH). While the Power of Attorney is not obligatory, it may be requested, and a copy will suffice. Similarly, submission of a Priority Document is not mandatory but may be requested; translations into Finnish are not required.

4. Examination and Publication

Trademark applications are examined for compliance with formal and registrability requirements. The PRH also searches prior similar trademarks. If the application meets all requirements, it is published for opposition.

5. Opposition Period

Once published, any interested party may oppose the trademark within two months. If no oppositions are raised, the application proceeds to registration.

6. Receive Registration and Certificate

Upon successful registration, no grant fee is required. For trademarks filed on or after May 1, 2019, the registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date. Older registrations are valid for 10 years from the registration date. Trademarks are renewable indefinitely in ten-year increments.

Trademark Use Requirement

Trademarks in Finland may be subject to cancellation if not used within five years of registration or if they are unused for a continuous five-year period thereafter.

Foreign applicants not domiciled in the European Economic Area (EEA) must engage a local agent residing in the EEA to handle trademark prosecution.

The average time from filing to registration is approximately two months, making Finland’s trademark registration process efficient.

Benefits of Registering a Trademark in Finland

• Exclusive Rights: Legally control your brand elements.
• Legal Protection: Prevent unauthorized use.
• Ease of Enforcement: Take action against infringements.
• Extended Coverage: Opt for EU Trademark registration for broader protection.

The trademark registration process in Finland generally takes about two months. Registered trademarks are valid for 10 years and can be renewed within one year before expiration or a six-month grace period with a surcharge.

Additional Notes

1. Trademark protection in Finland can also be obtained via European Union Trademark registration.
2. Responses to provisional refusals of international registrations must be filed within 12 weeks, with possible extensions. These responses must be in Finnish or Swedish and require a local representative.

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