patenttijärjestelmän

Patenttijärjestelmä is the Finnish term for the patent system. It is a legal framework that grants inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for a limited period. This system is designed to encourage innovation by allowing inventors to profit from their creations, thereby incentivizing further research and development.

In Finland, the patent system is administered by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH). To obtain a patent, an invention must meet several criteria: it must be new, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application. The patent application process involves submitting a detailed description of the invention, claims defining its scope, and drawings if applicable. The PRH then examines the application to ensure it meets all legal requirements.

Once granted, a patent provides the inventor with the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without permission. This exclusivity typically lasts for 20 years from the filing date of the patent application. After the patent expires, the invention enters the public domain, meaning anyone can use it freely.

The patent system plays a crucial role in economic development by fostering technological advancement and creating opportunities for businesses. It also facilitates the dissemination of technical knowledge through the publication of patent applications and granted patents.