FINNISH TRADEMARK LAW GUIDE

July 1, 2025

Vibodh Singh

National Law Institute University, Bhopal

Introduction

This blog offers a clear overview of how Finnish trademark law supports brand protection in a rapidly evolving global market. With the introduction of the Finnish Trademarks Act (544/2019), Finland expanded legal recognition to accommodate evolving business patterns and industry demands. This blog highlights the Act’s key features, outlines the various types of trademarks it recognises, and explains how its streamlined registration process positions Finland as a leading destination for modern, effective brand protection.

Trademarks are like fingerprints of a brand, the form the core of intellectual property (IP) protection by granting the distinguishing factors of brand exclusivity and protection. In today’s fierce market competition, trademarks have transformed to become crucial assets signifying the consumer trust, brand image and market reputation. It has emerged as a strategic move adopted by companies to ensure a market presence different from their competitors and ensure growth.

Finland, ranking 7 in the global innovation index, is a global leader in terms of IP laws innovation and fostering a conducive environment for its businesses. Home to few of the biggest multinational corporations like Nokia, Nestle and K group as well as holding top 50 positions in the GEM index, Finland presents a unique situation of having robust and niche IP laws capable of handling new age requirements along with a need of having a simple, secure, and transparent procedure that does not exclude the new rising companies.

This blog delves into the trademark laws in Finland and provides a comprehensive discussion on the Finnish Trademarks Act (Tavaramerkkilaki, 544/2019), one of the most most sought-after legislations in trademark law globally.

New Trademark Act of 2019

The new Finnish trademark laws 2019, comes after three decades from its precursor bringing in much required changes and provisions designed on the basis of new age challenges and years of precedent. This Act is a testament to the continuous legal evolution and an approach that not only strengthens the status quo but is also building a system for accommodation of the up and coming by providing for the structures that are inclusive for both traditional and non-traditional marks.

One of the most significant changes introduced is the relaxation of the graphical element requirement. As a result, this Act no longer considers graphical representation essential for trademark registration. Consequently, it allows the registration of sounds, animations, multimedia, and various other indicators that traditional IP laws previously excluded. As markets digitalise and new sectors of innovation emerge, non-traditional IP indicators grow rapidly but often lack protection, since outdated legislation leaves their fate in the uncertain hands of judicial interpretation. Originally trademarks only protected graphical indicators including of text, logos, or a combination of both, thus restricting the newer brand identity indicators.

Another notable change is making clear classifications of trade marks according to the NICE classifications under Madrid protocol, especially for those trademarks registered after 2014, mandatory. Authorities implemented this to simplify the process of searching and maintaining the trademark register and to easily identify overlaps.

Apart from these, the Finnish Trademark Act places a necessity on “genuine use” and “proof of use” of a trademark. The Finnish Trademark and Patent Office (PRH) will cancel a trademark if the owner fails to put it to genuine use within 5 years of registration. Thus, it aims to curb the warehousing of trademarks, an unhealthy practice for businesses and highlights that in Finland rights to a trademark arise due to use and not just mere registration. In case of any opposition too, the opposing party must present a proof of use.

Finally, Finnish Trademarks Act (Tavaramerkkilaki, 544/2019) provides an option to parties raising objections to settle and reach an agreement by providing for a cooling off period. Both parties must jointly file for such a request to the PRH and once accepted, get a 2-month period to strike a friendly agreement, before starting adversarial proceedings. This period may extend to 12 months depending on the consent of parties. This provides an option for cooperative mediation avoiding the need for unnecessary legal battles. Moreover, the Act also allows for cancellation of trademarks in case of violations or by request of cancellation by the parties in front of the administrative body (PRH) to avoid the high legal costs involved with the courts.

Types Of Trademarks In Finland

Traditional Marks
Word mark: This type of trademark covers the combination of alphabets, words and numbers that are distinguishable and associated with the identity of a brand. Example – the word “Coca Cola” is trademarked.
Figurative mark: It refers to the graphical aspects, like logos, pictures, images without any text. Example – Mercedes-Benz’s three-pointed star.
Combined mark: This refers to a mix of word and figurative mark and include both text and graphical elements. Example – Nike’s swoosh logo along with “just do it” text is a combined mark.
Non-Traditional Marks
Shape mark: Comprises three dimensional shapes and figures that identify the brand. Example – Toblerone bar’s shape is trademarked.
Colour mark: A colour mark consists of a colour or combination of colour. It protects specific colour tones of a brand’s product or its packaging. Example – Cadbury purple colour shade is trademarked.
Sound mark: A sound mark is a trademark that consists of auditory elements such as ringtones, jingles, and other audio components. It protects the auditory representation of a brand.
Smell Mark: They are also known as olfactory marks or scent marks and are used to register unique scents. Due to variations in degree of preserving, scent marks are complex and difficult to register.
Motion mark: A motion mark is a type of trademark that involves a specific movement or animation. It protects the dynamic aspect of a brand—how it moves or changes position. Example- The animated logo sequence of 20th Century Studios with the moving searchlights is a well-known motion mark.
Hologram Mark: A hologram mark consists of three-dimensional images that change when viewed from different angles. It protects the unique visual effect created by holography. Example- A credit card hologram could be protected as a hologram mark.
Pattern Mark: A pattern mark protects a design made up of repeating elements or patterns. Example- The Louis Vuitton monogram pattern printed across bags and accessories is a famous pattern mark.
Position Mark: A position mark protects the exact placement of a logo, symbol, or design on a product. Example- The red sole on Christian Louboutin shoes is protected as a position mark—it identifies the brand through placement.
Service Mark: A service mark functions like a trademark but is used for services rather than physical goods. It helps customers identify and differentiate service providers. Example: The FedEx logo is a service mark. It stands for a courier and logistics service, not a physical product.
Collective Mark: Members of an association or organization use a collective mark to show that their products or services meet certain standards set by the group. Example: The “CA” mark used by the Chartered Accountants Association represents certified professionals belonging to that group.
Certification Mark: A certification mark indicates that a product or service meets defined standards for quality, origin, or manufacturing processes. Qualified producers use the certification mark, not the owner once they meet the defined standards. For instance, the “Woolmark” symbol certifies that a product is made of 100% pure wool and adheres to specific quality criteria.

The Finnish Trademark Registration Process: Steps, Costs, and Timeline

Finland’s 2019 Act recognises a wide variety of trademark forms, expanding beyond traditional marks. Following this recognition, applicants must navigate the practical steps of securing legal protection. Registration occurs through the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) online portal. To ensure authenticity, the system verifies users through Finnish banking codes or a mobile certificate, allowing only legitimate claims to proceed. This digital pathway also enables foreign nationals to apply easily and protect the unique elements of their brands.

Once identified, the application process then demands meticulous attention. Specifically, applicants must provide comprehensive details, a clear representation of their trademark, and a classified list of goods and services under the NICE Classification system. Since each application covers only a single mark, accuracy at this stage is critical.

The basic registration cost is EUR 240, with an additional EUR 100 for each extra class of goods or services. Optional preliminary examinations cost between EUR 85–90, making the process affordable for companies of all sizes.

Upon successful submission and fee payment, trademark protection commences from the application date, establishing crucial priority. The entire process usually takes 3 to 5 months. It includes a 4 to 8-week PRH examination and an 8-week opposition period for third-party challenges. If no successful oppositions arise, the registration certificate is promptly issued. Significant changes to the trademark or its goods/services aren’t allowed once the application is pending. That’s why thorough initial preparation is crucial. Applicants should consider hiring a legal expert to avoid costly mistakes and objections. Registering trademarks in Finland also streamlines the process for EU and WIPO registrations. It requires minimal steps and allows faster approvals.

Conclusion

Finland’s 2019 Trademark Act is more than just legal reform it’s a roadmap for modern brand protection. By recognizing non-traditional marks and prioritising genuine use over mere registration, it prevents misuse and ensures trademarks stay meaningful and relevant. The Act simplifies the registration process while supporting global compatibility through alignment with EU and international systems. Finland offers a streamlined, forward-thinking environment for securing and protecting your brand whether you’re a startup or a multinational. In today’s innovation-driven world, this matters more than ever. Finland proves that strong IP laws are key to sustainable growth and global competitiveness.