The short answer
A Finnish trademark registration lasts 10 years from the date of filing the application. Renewal can be filed from 1 year before the end of the registration period until 6 months after it ends, with an increased fee in the last stage. Finland registers first and then publishes: anyone can oppose within 2 months of the publication of the registration. A mark can be revoked after 5 years without genuine use. An owner outside the EEA must appoint a representative based in the EEA.
Trademark deadlines in Finland at a glance
These periods come from the Finnish Trademarks Act (544/2019), in the unofficial English translation published by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH). Only the Finnish and Swedish texts are legally binding, so we check them before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a registration last? | 10 years from the date of filing the application (Section 30(1)). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date. The registration is valid for ten years from the date of filing of the application (Section 30(1)). |
| When can I renew? | No earlier than 1 year before the end of the registration period (Section 30(2)). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. The renewal can be filed up to 6 months after the end of the registration period, subject to an increased fee (Section 30(2)). |
| Will PRH remind me? | PRH must send an expiry notice at least 6 months ahead, but if you do not get one, the registration still expires (Section 30). |
| Opposition period | 2 months from the publication of the registration (Section 32(1)). |
| Priority claim | A Finnish application filed within 6 months of an earlier EU or foreign application in a Paris Convention or WTO state can claim its date (Section 18(1)). |
| Non-use revocation | A registration can be revoked if the owner has not made genuine use of the mark within 5 years of registration, or if use stopped for 5 consecutive years, without proper reasons (Section 46(1)). |
| Reply to a PRH notice | The general period is 2 months, for example to fix a deficient application or provide information (Section 21(1)). Continued processing is possible within 2 months after the deadline, with a fee (Section 22). |
| Assignment | A transfer is recorded on request. An unrecorded transfer does not bind good-faith third parties or the owner's creditors (Section 38). |
| Representative | An applicant or owner not based in the EEA must appoint a representative based in the EEA (Section 28(2)). |
Who can register a trademark in Finland
Individuals and companies from any country can apply to PRH. Finland registers a mark and then publishes the registration, and the opposition period follows the publication.
EEA representative. An applicant or owner who is not based in the European Economic Area must appoint a representative based in the EEA. If none is named, PRH gives 2 months, after which the application is treated as withdrawn or the mark is removed (Section 28(2) and (3)).
Trademark registration process in Finland
Search
- Search PRH's register, the EU register and the international register for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with PRH, through an EEA representative if you are outside the EEA.
- Claim priority within 6 months of your first filing (Section 18).
Examination
- PRH examines the application. If something is missing, you normally have 2 months to fix it (Section 21).
Registration and publication
- The mark is registered and the registration is published.
Opposition window
- Anyone can oppose within 2 months of the publication of the registration (Section 32).
Official fees are set by PRH and change. We confirm the current fee for your classes before we quote.
Finland trademark validity and renewal
- The registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
- Renewal opens 1 year before the end of the registration period.
- It can be filed up to 6 months after the end, with an increased fee.
- PRH sends an expiry notice at least 6 months ahead, but it is a courtesy. The duty to renew is yours.
Count from the filing date, not from the registration date. We diarise every Finnish expiry date.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Finnish trademark
Assignment
Transfer of a mark
A transfer is recorded in the register on the request of the owner, the applicant or the transferee (Section 38(1)).
Third parties
Effect of recordal
An unrecorded transfer does not bind good-faith third parties or the owner's creditors (Section 38(3)).
Representative
Changing the representative
A non-EEA owner must keep an EEA representative on record (Section 28).
Name or address
Change of the owner's details
Record the change with PRH so notices and expiry reminders reach the right address.
Revocation and non-use of a Finnish trademark
Section 46 allows revocation if the owner has not made genuine use of the mark within the 5 years after registration, or if use stopped for 5 consecutive years, unless there are proper reasons for non-use. Section 46(2) explains how the 5-year period is counted.
Keep dated proof of genuine use: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Finland
Search the PRH trademark register for applications and registrations, and check the publication date of the registration. The 2-month opposition period runs from that publication.
Sources used
- Trademarks Act (544/2019), unofficial English translation by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH): Sections 18, 21, 22, 28, 30, 32, 38 and 46.
- PRH (Finnish Patent and Registration Office) for fees, forms and the register.
Finland trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Finland, and from when?
10 years from the date of filing the application (Section 30(1)).
When should I renew a Finnish trademark, and is there a grace period?
From 1 year before the end of the registration period until 6 months after it, with an increased fee in the late stage (Section 30(2)).
What is the opposition period in Finland?
2 months from the publication of the registration (Section 32(1)).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Finland?
The official fee is set by PRH and changes. We confirm the current fee for your classes and quote the full cost before filing.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Finland?
Yes. An owner not based in the EEA must appoint a representative based in the EEA (Section 28).
Can I assign a Finnish trademark?
Yes. A transfer is recorded on request, and an unrecorded transfer does not bind good-faith third parties (Section 38).
Can a Finnish trademark be revoked for non-use?
Yes, after 5 years without genuine use, or if use stopped for 5 consecutive years, without proper reasons (Section 46).
How long do I have to answer PRH?
In general 2 months from the notice, with continued processing possible within 2 months after the deadline for a fee (Sections 21 and 22).
Can I claim priority from my home country?
Yes, if your Finnish application is filed within 6 months of the earlier filing in a Paris Convention or WTO state (Section 18).
Does a Finnish trademark cover the whole EU?
No. A Finnish registration covers Finland only. An EU trademark covers all EU member states.
Protect your brand in Finland
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Finnish deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
