Pintasäähakemukset

Pintasäähakemukset refer to applications filed with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) for the registration of surface designs. These designs protect the visual appearance of a product, such as its shape, pattern, or ornamentation. The purpose of registering a surface design is to grant the applicant exclusive rights to use the design commercially and to prevent others from using it without permission.

To be eligible for registration, a surface design must be new and have an individual character. Novelty means the design has not been made public anywhere in the world before the filing date or priority date. Individual character implies that the overall impression it produces on an informed user differs from the impression produced by any design previously made public. The application process involves submitting the design, a description, and paying the required fees. The PRH then examines the application to ensure it meets the legal requirements.

Once registered, the protection typically lasts for a period of five years, renewable for further five-year periods up to a maximum of 25 years. Surface design protection is a form of intellectual property right that can be valuable for businesses, especially in industries where product aesthetics play a significant role, such as fashion, furniture, and electronics. It encourages innovation and investment in design by providing creators with a legal framework to protect their work.