Tavaramerkkioikeus

Tavaramerkkioikeus refers to the legal protection granted to trademarks in Finland. A trademark is a sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. This sign can be a word, a name, a letter, a figure, a shape, a colour, the arrangement of colours, or a combination of these. The purpose of trademark law is to protect the owner's investment in their brand and to prevent consumers from being confused about the origin of goods or services.

In Finland, trademark rights can be acquired through use or through registration. Registration provides stronger and more extensive protection. An application for trademark registration is filed with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH). The PRH examines the application to ensure it meets the legal requirements and does not conflict with existing trademarks. Once registered, the trademark owner has the exclusive right to use the mark for the goods and services for which it is registered. They can prevent others from using an identical or similar mark for identical or similar goods or services if there is a likelihood of confusion.

The duration of a registered trademark is ten years from the filing date, and it can be renewed indefinitely for subsequent ten-year periods. Infringement of trademark rights can lead to legal action, including injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing goods. Tavaramerkkioikeus plays a crucial role in fair competition and in ensuring the integrity of the marketplace by allowing consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on trusted brands.