Using the Finnish flag and the national arms in a trademark

The Ministry of the Interior can grant permission to use the Finnish flag or the national arms in a trademark.

Before making its decision, the Ministry will consider whether the applicant has presented any reasons justifying the use of the national emblem in a private trademark, and whether the proposed trademark is in accordance with the rules of heraldry and generally accepted practice. The Ministry will usually ask for an opinion from the heraldic committee of the National Archives.

An application for the registration of a trademark should be submitted to the National Board of Patents and Registration.

According to section 14(1)(3) of the Finnish Trademarks Act, a trademark cannot be registered if it makes unauthorized use of arms, flag or other emblem of a nation, or official control or guarantee stamp covering the goods used for the purpose indicated by the trademark or similar goods, or Finnish municipal emblem, or flag, arms or other emblem, or name or abbreviation of an intergovernmental organization, or emblem, name or abbreviation that can be confused with the said emblem, stamp, name or abbreviation.

What is said above of the use of the Finnish flag and the national arms in a trademark also applies to the registration of designs and collective marks.

For more information about the use of the Finnish flag and the national arms in a trademark, contact Ministerial Adviser Ismo Atosuo at the Ministry of the Interior.