PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Finland

The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) began in 1835 with the creation of a Manufacture Board in the Imperial Senate of Finland. It was formed to manage the growing manufacturing and factory activities in the country. Until 2013, it was called the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR).

Finland became a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) on October 1, 1980. Finland has been a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for 26 years. The favorable response from clients has been evident from the outset.

The major requirements and procedure to file a patent application in Finland are mentioned below:

The designated period for submitting a patent application in Finland under the framework of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is 31 months from the earliest date of priority.

In this jurisdiction, the official languages for filing a patent application are English, Finnish, or Swedish. If the international application is in a different official language, it is mandatory to provide a translation into English, Finnish, or Swedish. This requirement ensures accuracy and regulatory compliance, facilitating a seamless and trouble-free progression through the patenting procedures.

The term can be reinstated within two months from the date when the cause of non-compliance ends but must not exceed 12 months after the original 31-month period has lapsed. The translation can be provided within two months from the expiration of the 31-month time limit.

The necessary documents required for filing a national phase application include:

• Power of Attorney: A duly signed POA copy is deemed satisfactory for submission. The prescribed timeframe for the lodgment of the document is set at two months from the date of issuance of the formal invitation by the Office.
• Verified Translation
• Priority Document: The authentic, officially certified version of the particular document should be submitted within a 16-month period from the date of priority. 

No exemptions in cost are granted for the patent application when entering the national phase.

Finnish patent applications undergo a rigorous examination process, encompassing a thorough review of both formal and substantive criteria. Importantly, the automatic substantive examination inherent in the Finnish patent system eliminates the necessity for a distinct request to initiate this phase. This streamlines the evaluation process, ensuring comprehensive examination of the patent application's alignment with established requirements without the need for a separate formal petition.

Patent Prosecution Highway Program under the PCT

Finnish patent applications undergo a comprehensive examination to ensure compliance with both formal and substantive requirements. The automatic nature of the substantive examination for patent applications in Finland obviates the necessity for filing a specific request.

PCT-PPH stands as a noteworthy component within a plethora of collaborative efforts. Numerous bilateral agreements have been forged among patent offices, championing worksharing initiatives. This facilitates patent applicants to seamlessly seek expedited processing during the national phase. Here, patent examiners can leverage the work products from other offices, creating a dynamic exchange that propels the efficiency of the entire patent examination process. This collaboration ensures a harmonious exchange of valuable insights and resources, enhancing the global landscape of patent processing.

• The written assessment provided by the International Searching Authority,
• The opinion furnished by the International Preliminary Examining Authority, or
• The international preliminary examination report under the PCT, contingent upon the fulfillment of certain conditions.

The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) has entered into PCT-PPH agreements with:

China (CN): China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)

Each year, following the international filing date, it is imperative to settle the renewal fees. Timely payment is required before the conclusion of the month that marks the anniversary of the international filing date. Alternatively, payment, accompanied by a 20% surcharge for lateness, can still be accommodated up to the sixth month after the due date. It is essential to emphasize that renewal fees can be remitted without incurring a surcharge within two months after completing the necessary procedures for entering the national phase.

Patents in Finland have a validity period of 20 years from the filing date. 

Typically, a license is necessary to utilize inventions related to medicinal products or plant protection products. Obtaining this license involves thorough and time-consuming investigations to ensure the safety of the products for both users and the environment. As these investigations consume a considerable portion of the patent term, there is a provision to extend the patent term by applying for a Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC), especially for patents associated with medicinal or plant protection products. A Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) is initially granted for a period of up to five years. However, upon request, it may be extended for an additional six months if the suitability of the medicinal product for children has been tested according to a specific Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP).

The Global Innovation Index (GII) serves as a comprehensive tool for assessing the innovation capacities of world economies. By employing approximately 80 indicators, categorized into innovation inputs and outputs, the GII strives to encapsulate the diverse dimensions of innovation. Notably, Finland secures the 9th position out of 132 economies evaluated in the GII, demonstrating its commendable innovation standing on a global scale. Furthermore, within the subset of 48 high-income group economies, his nation maintains its 9th position, attesting to its robust innovation performance among economically advanced nations. In the European context, the region stands as the 6th most innovative nation among the 39 economies evaluated, highlighting its significant contribution to innovation dynamics within the region.

This nation takes pride in its formidable global standing, securing the 19th position globally for the total number of patent applications. Its influence extends even further, as it commands the 18th spot for abroad applications, showcasing a commitment to innovation on an international scale. Impressively, the nation stands tall at the 17th position worldwide for PCT National Phase Entries, underscoring its dedication to translating inventive ideas into tangible and internationally recognized intellectual property. This remarkable achievement solidifies its reputation as a key player in the global landscape of innovation and intellectual property development.