Which is the Finnish utility model application patent authority?

PRH conducts formality examination and substantive examination of invention patents. In Finland, the substantive examination of patent applications starts automatically without filing a specific request. Generally, it takes 8 months for PRH to issue the first office action notification, and the applicant needs to reply to the office action within 2-4 months. Patent granted can be obtained if the granted conditions are met.

Initial protection for 5 years. It can be renewed 4 times, each time for 5 years, with a maximum protection of 25 years. If the design is part of a complex product and is used to restore the integrity of the product, it is valid for a maximum of 15 years from the filing date.

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 31 months from earliest priority date.
• Validation of European Patent in EPO member states: 3 months from the date of European patent grant

• via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.
• Hague Agreement route: 6 months from earliest priority date.
• EU appearance route: 6 months from the earliest priority date.

Examination of form only. The utility model application is examined for compliance with formal requirements, uniformity and registrability. If there is no special requirement, no novelty review will be conducted. The applicant can submit a request for delay in grant within 2 months from the filing date/priority date, and the grant can be delayed for 15 months at the latest.

2-2.5 years

no

20 years

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 31 months from earliest priority date.

Finnish Patent Registry

English: Finnish Patent and Registration Office, abbreviation: PRH

Website: PRH - Finnish Patent and Registration Office

Finnish Utility Model Patent Search: Kitinet - Patentti- ja rekisterihallitus (prh.fi)