Official Fees in Trademark and Design matters in Finland

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December 4, 2008

Official Fees in Trademark and Design matters to increase in Finland on January 1, 2009

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy has passed a Decree of 27.11.2008/744 with which amendments to the official fees in trademark and design matters have been made. The Decree will take effect on January 1, 2009.

In practise official fees in Trademark and Design matters will be raised by 16-30%, but some structural fee changes will also take place. For example, in connection with the renewal of a trademark or a design registration, the reduction of official fee of a simultaneous recordal of amendment, such as an assignment, has been abolished.

Official fee to be introduced in Trademark Oppositions

The most significant structural amendment concerns trademark oppositions. At present there is no official fee for filing such, but from January 1, 2009, an opposition fee is to be paid at the filing of a trademark opposition. This amendment will, however, concern only cases in which the opposition period will start after January 1, 2009.

In design matters, for the time being there will be no official fee for opposition.

Lower official fees effective until December 31, 2008.

If you intend to apply for the registration of a trademark or design in Finland, or if you consider of renewing your registration due for a renewal in the year 2009, the lower official fees remain in force until the last day of 2008. We recommend that you act now.

For more information on trademarks and designs, or changes in official fees, please contact our trademark attorneys.