Our new online patent service will be launched soon

The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) is currently working on a new Patent Service, which will be introduced in February or March 2025. This browser-based service will replace the current Epoline Online Filing (eOLF) software, which requires installation on the user’s computer. The new service is easier to use and faster to deploy.

The current eOLF software can be used until approximately the end of May 2025, so our customers will have plenty of time to switch to the new service. However, we recommend you start using the new service as soon as possible after the launch.

You can use the new service to:

• file Finnish patent applications or utility model applications
• respond to office actions or submit supplements to your applications
• validate European patents in Finland
• file international applications (PCT applications)
• file applications for supplementary protection certificates (SPC applications)

New authentication methods – EPO smart cards will not be used

You can identify yourself with Suomi.fi e-Identification or our new authentication solution for IPR experts to use the service.

The new service will not support the EPO smart card, which was widely used by IPR experts. The European Patent Office (EPO) has already phased out EPO smart cards in its services and will no longer issue new cards. Read more about the new authentication solution.

You can use the EPO smart card for identification for as long as the eOLF software can be used at the PRH.

We developed the service in collaboration with our customers and the EPO

Our new Patent Service is based on a service solution developed by the EPO, and we have adapted it to meet our customers’ needs. IPR experts have been closely involved in helping us develop the service.

The first version of the service will not yet include all the important features IPR experts need, but we will continue this work in spring 2025.

Follow our announcements for more information about the introduction and features of the service. Subscribe to our news and announcements by email.

For further information, please contact
Kimmo Kärkkäinen
Development Specialist
Email: firstname.lastname@prh.fi
Tel. +358 29 509 5325