Application for Registration of Design Rights

In Finland, an application for a registered design is filed with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office. The application is made electronically or by using the form approved by the Office. An application for a design right will not be processed until the application fee has been paid. Before submitting an application, it is advisable to consult the design database (see below for a link) of Finnish Patent and Registration Office, in order to ensure no similar registered designs exist. The Finnish Patent and Registration Office can also be requested to carry out a preliminary examination against a fee.

The application must set out:

• the name, domicile and address of the applicant;

• the name, domicile and address of representative, if applicable;

• a power of attorney, if applicable;

• the name and address of the designer of the design;

• if applicable, a deed of transfer or other document regarding the applicant’s entitlement, if the applicant is not the designer;

• the name of the product to be registered;

• product class (international classification);

• information as to whether the applicant seeks registration in black and white or in color;

• representations of the design (the most essential part of the application);

• specimen, if applicable;

• priority right based on an earlier international application, if applicable;

• mention regarding confidentiality of the application for a maximum period of six months;

• signature.

A period of two months commences upon approval and publication of the application, during which it is possible to oppose the registration based on the design’s novelty, individual character or fulfillment of other registration criteria. A decision to reject registration due to such opposition can be appealed to the Market Court.