Patents Laws in Finland
Here’s a clear summary of patent laws in Finland:
Patent Laws in Finland
1. Governing Law
Patents in Finland are governed by the Finnish Patent Act (Act No. 550/1967, as amended).
The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) is responsible for patent administration.
Finland is also a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC).
2. Patentable Inventions
Inventions must be new, involve an inventive step, and be industrially applicable.
Eligible inventions include products, processes, or improvements.
3. Filing Routes
You can file a patent application:
Nationally with the Finnish Patent Office (PRH).
Through the European Patent Office (EPO) with validation in Finland.
Via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), entering the national phase in Finland.
4. Examination
Finland conducts a formal examination but not substantive examination at the national level.
For substantive examination, applicants rely on EPO or other recognized offices.
National patents can be granted faster but may be more vulnerable without substantive examination.
5. Patent Term
Patents last for 20 years from the filing date, provided annual fees are paid.
6. Rights Conferred
Patent holders have the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention in Finland without permission.
Patent rights can be licensed or assigned.
7. Enforcement
Patent infringement disputes are handled by Finnish courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing products.
8. International Treaties
Finland is a member of:
The European Patent Convention (EPC)
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
The Paris Convention
The TRIPS Agreement under the WTO
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