Who is Eligible for Finland Patent Filing
Any natural person or legal entity named as an applicant in the PCT application may enter the Finnish national phase. There are no nationality or citizenship restrictions.
Applicants who do not have a residence or principal place of business in Finland or within the EU/EEA must appoint a Finnish-authorized patent attorney or representative. AnalystIP works closely with experienced Finnish patent professionals to ensure full procedural compliance and efficient prosecution for international clients.
Ownership details must be consistent with the PCT application or supported by a valid assignment document.
The Deadline for Filing a Patent in Finland (30/31-Month Rule)
Finland follows the 31-month deadline from the earliest priority date for entry into the national phase from a PCT application.
This deadline is statutory and strictly enforced. Failure to enter the National Phase Filing within this period generally results in loss of patent rights in Finland, subject only to limited restoration options.
Extension or Restoration After Missing the Deadline
Finnish patent law allows reinstatement (restoration) of rights if the applicant can demonstrate that failure to meet the 31-month deadline occurred despite exercising all due care required by the circumstances.
Restoration requires:
- Filing a formal request for reinstatement
- Payment of official reinstatement fees
- Submission of a detailed explanation with supporting evidence
Filing Language for Finnish Patent Application
Patent applications in Finland must be filed in Finnish or Swedish.
For PCT national phase entry:
- The application may initially be filed in another language
A full translation into Finnish or Swedish of the description, claims, abstract, and any text in Patent drawings must be submitted within the prescribed time limit
Required Documents to File a Patent in Finland
The following documents are required to enter the Finnish national phase:
- Copy of the PCT application (description, claims, drawings, abstract)
- International Search Report (ISR) and Written Opinion (if available)
- Finnish or Swedish translation of the application
- Applicant and inventor details
- Power of Attorney (POA)
- A simple signed copy is sufficient
- No notarization, legalization, or apostille required
- Assignment document (if applicant differs from the PCT filing)
- Simple copy is generally accepted
- Notarization is not usually required unless requested by PRH
No declaration of inventorship is required at filing.
Finland Patent Search and Examination Procedure
Finland conducts a full substantive search and examination, covering:
- Novelty
- Inventive step
- Industrial applicability
- Sufficiency of disclosure
- Unity of invention
The PRH relies on international and European search results, supplemented by its own analysis. This comprehensive examination system provides strong legal certainty and enhanced enforceability for granted patents.
Examination Process and Office Actions
After formal examination, the application enters substantive examination. The Finnish Patent Office may issue office actions raising objections related to:
- Prior art and patentability
- Lack of inventive step
- Claim clarity or support
- Excluded subject matter
Applicants are provided with statutory deadlines to respond by submitting arguments, amendments, or evidence. Failure to respond within the prescribed time results in refusal.
Deadline for Request for Examination
In Finland, substantive examination is initiated automatically upon filing of the national phase application. No separate request for examination is required.
Applicants may request accelerated examination in cases of commercial urgency or enforcement needs.
Publication Process and Legal Impact
Finnish patent applications are published 18 months from the priority date, unless earlier publication is requested.
Publication provides:
- Public notice of the invention
- Provisional protection (reasonable compensation may be claimed after grant)
- Enhanced transparency for licensing, funding, and partnership negotiations
Full enforcement rights arise only after the grant.
Grant Process and Enforceability
Once all examination requirements are satisfied, the patent is granted and recorded in the Finnish Patent Register.
Upon grant:
- The patent becomes fully enforceable
- Courts may issue injunctions, award damages, and order the destruction of infringing goods
- Border enforcement is available under EU customs regulations
Finnish courts are recognized for technical competence and efficient handling of patent disputes, making Finland a strong enforcement jurisdiction.
Validity Term
A Finnish patent is valid for 20 years from the international Patent filing date, subject to payment of annual renewal fees.
Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) may be available for pharmaceuticals and plant protection products under EU law.
Typical Time to Obtain Finland Patent
The average time from national phase entry to grant in Finland is approximately:
The timeline depends on examination complexity, the number of office actions, and applicant responsiveness.
Annuities and Maintenance Procedure
Annual renewal fees are payable starting from the 3rd year, calculated from the international filing date.
Late payment is permitted within a statutory grace period with a surcharge. Failure to pay annuities results in lapse of the patent.
Official Government Fees to File Finland Patent Application
Filing Fees (EUR)
| Fee Type | Amount (EUR) |
| National Phase Filing Fee | 450 |
| Additional Claims (per claim over 10) | 50 |
| Additional Pages (per page over 20) | 2 |
Examination Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (EUR) |
| Substantive Examination | Included |
| Accelerated Examination | Available on request |
Grant and Publication Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (EUR) |
| Grant Fee | Included |
| Publication Fee | Included |
Annuity Fees (Approximate)
| Patent Year | Fee (EUR) |
| 3rd Year | 200 |
| 10th Year | 550 |
| 20th Year | 950 |
Utility Model Protection in Finland
Finland does not provide utility model (short-term patent) protection. Applicants seeking utility model coverage must consider other jurisdictions where such protection is available.
Finland Patent Office & Official Website
Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH)
Official Website: PRH Finland Patent
