International Registration of Designs

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26.02.2009

Finland intends to join the system for International Registration of Designs

The Government bill No 225/2008 (in Finnish only) proposes that Finland should become party to the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.

Acceptance of the Act would enable centralized registration of an Industrial Design in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). In practice, countries in which registration is desired are designated in the application. After formal examination by the WIPO, registrability of the design is examined in each designated country in accordance with the local legislation. At present, there are 34 parties to the Geneva Act.

There are also certain amendments that have been proposed to the Finnish Registered Designs Act including a change-over from pre-grant to post-grant opposition system. In addition, an Assignment Document from the creator to the applicant would no longer be necessary. A partial rejection of a design would also become possible.

For more information, please contact our trademark attorneys who will be pleased to answer your questions.