Is my invention new?

Before you file a utility model application, you should find out if your invention is new. If a previously known invention is entered in the Finnish Utility Model Register, anyone can apply for the utility model to be declared invalid at any time, for example because the invention is not new.

You can carry out a novelty search on your own or ask us at the PRH to do it for you. If you choose to do the work yourself, make sure you carry out an extensive search using patent databases and internet search engines.Read more about patent databases in the Patents section.

We at the PRH can also look for publications that are most similar to your invention. You can ask us to carry out a utility model search. Before filing the application, it is also possible to order a novelty search from us as a search service.

•  Read our instructions on how to order a utility model search from the PRH.
•  Read our instructions on how to order a novelty search from the PRH.

In addition, you can use the services offered by patent attorney offices. Read more about patent attorneys and agents.

Please note that if you ask us to conduct a utility model search, the search results will become public when the utility model application is published. If you ask us to conduct a novelty search as a search service, the search results will not become public.