Preliminary examinations

It is possible to check whether a trademark can be registered or not, before you file your application.

The Trademarks and Designs Line of the National Board of Patents and Registration (NBPR) conducts preliminary examinations on the registrability of trademarks. They are delivered in about a week and their content and results are held confidential. The examinations are subject to a charge. See the fees.

You can also carry out examinations on your own or order examinations from patent agencies or law offices.

Many kinds of preliminary examinations available

The type and extent of preliminary examinations vary according to your needs. A comprehensive preliminary examination is in most cases the best alternative.
Comprehensive preliminary examinations are examinations on the registrability of trademarks: we determine possible obstacles to registration and assess the distinctive character of a word mark, figurative mark, or mark consisting of words and figures, for the requested goods or services.

Limited preliminary examinations are examinations which include only a part of a comprehensive examination on registrability.

In searches for identical word marks, we check whether word marks that have been registered in a specified class, or are the subject of a filed application, are identical with the mark being examined.

In searches for any confusingly similar word marks, we examine national trademarks and Community trademarks that have been registered and filed in a specified class, as well as company names that have been registered in the same field of activity in the Trade Register. In addition, we determine whether there are surnames in use in Finland which could constitute obstacles to registration. We also inform you on applications filed for entry in or trademarks entered in the List of Trademarks with a Reputation.

When assessing the distinctive character of a mark, we use reference books to establish whether the mark can be regarded as distinctive concerning the requested goods or services.

You can order preliminary examinations by using a form available from the NBPR. It is not, however, obligatory to use the form. Forms (in Finnish).