New trademark fees enter into force

The new fees of the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland came into force on January 1 2009.

The fees for trademark and design rights were amended by means of a decree of the Ministry of Labour and Economy at the end of 2008.

Most of the official fees have been increased and the price lists of the board have been restructured in some respects. For instance, the reduction of 50% allowed for trademark assignment or amendment entries made in connection with the renewal of a registration is no longer available. Furthermore, a charge for filing an opposition against a trademark registration has been introduced. However, the charge will apply only to oppositions filed on or after the entry into force of the new fees. Oppositions concerning design rights remain free of charge for the time being.