Kuvausmerkintänä

Kuvausmerkintänä, often abbreviated as KM, is a Finnish term that translates to "description mark" or "descriptive mark" in English. It refers to a type of trademark that consists of words, letters, numbers, or any combination thereof, which are used to distinguish the goods or services of one enterprise from those of others. Unlike trademarks that are based on visual elements such as logos or designs, kuvausmerkintänä relies solely on the descriptive power of the chosen words or phrases.

The use of kuvausmerkintänä is governed by Finnish trademark law, which requires that the mark be distinctive and not merely descriptive of the goods or services it represents. If a mark is considered merely descriptive, it may not be registrable as a trademark. However, if it acquires distinctiveness through use, it can be protected as a kuvausmerkintänä.

The registration of a kuvausmerkintänä provides legal protection to the owner, preventing others from using the same or a confusingly similar mark for identical or similar goods or services. This protection is typically granted for a period of ten years, renewable upon payment of additional fees.

Kuvausmerkintänä is an important aspect of intellectual property law in Finland, ensuring that businesses can safeguard their brand identities and prevent infringement. It is a crucial tool for entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish a strong presence in the market.