Preliminary examination of a trademark
Our expertise at your disposal
As an alternative to examining trademarks yourself, you can order a preliminary examination from the PRH.
You will get the results of the preliminary examination within five working days of your order.
Preliminary examinations and results are secret, and the results are only disclosed to the orderer.
Types of examination
We carry out examinations in various scopes according to your needs. A comprehensive preliminary examination is the best alternative in most cases, because it involves examining the trademark as thoroughly as the actual registration process.
Comprehensive preliminary examination
In a comprehensive preliminary examination, we determine all the possible obstacles to registration and assess the distinctive character of your for the requested goods and services. The examination will reveal whether the trademark can be registered.
We examine the following marks to rule out the potential for confusion:
- Registered national trademarks and EU trademarks
- Pending applications
- International registrations designating Finland
- Company names registered with the Trade Register for the same line of business.
We also determine whether any surnames are used in Finland which could be obstacles to registration. In addition, we inform you of trademarks that are candidates for entry or have already been entered into the List of Trademarks with a Reputation.
Types of comprehensive preliminary examination:
- Comprehensive preliminary examination (ES) of a word mark
- Comprehensive preliminary examination (EK) of a figurative mark
- Comprehensive preliminary examination (ESK) of a mark consisting of a word and figurative mark
Limited preliminary examination
In a limited preliminary examination, we either determine the possible obstacles to registration or assess the distinctive character of your trademark. This type of examination does not provide a conclusive view of whether the trademark can be registered at the PRH.
Types of limited preliminary examination:
- Examination of distinctive character (F): Is your trademark distinctive? Please note that this examination does not include an examination of confusing similarity. That is why the examination only provides a limited amount of information about whether the mark can be registered.
- Possible confusing similarity of the trademark (D): Does the mark in question constitute confusing similarity with earlier applied or registered marks? Please note that this examination does not include an examination of distinctive character. That is why the examination only provides a limited amount of information about whether the mark can be registered.
How to order a preliminary examination
You can order a preliminary examination using our form, but it is not obligatory to use it. Send the form as an email attachment to tmposti@prh.fi.
Data protection
Personal data is processed in connection with orders concerning our information services and preliminary examinations based on section 2 of the Act on the Finnish Patent and Registration Office. We only use the personal data for sending search and examination results and for invoicing.
The data is stored for 5 years.
How much does an examination cost?
The price of a preliminary examination varies according to type of examination and the number of classes of goods and/or services. For example, a comprehensive preliminary examination of a word mark in one class costs 170.00 + VAT 24% 40.80 = 210.80.
How can I get the results?
We will send you the results of the preliminary examination either by email or by post. You will be invoiced for the examination afterwards.