Company Name Infringements

Disputes regarding company names concern often situations where companies only use a part of their registered company name. The registration of a business name does, however, only provide protection for the company name in its registered form.

If the holder of a certain company name deems that his/her exclusive right to such name is being infringed, the company may bring an action before The Market Court seeking an injunction to prohibit the infringing use under threat of fine. In addition to an injunction, the court may under certain circumstances repeal registration of a company name.

In the event of willful infringement of a company name, the infringing party may be ordered to pay a fine. The charge of willful infringement shall be brought before the District Court of Helsinki. An entrepreneur may also be liable for damages incurred as a result of a willful or negligent infringement of another person’s company name.