The Finnish Patent Decree of 1987 provided for the protection of foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals but a transitional provision delayed implementation of this aspect of the law. This transitional provision expires at the end of 1994, and from January 1, 1995, protection will be possible for inventions falling within these categories.

We understand that it is possible that a change may also be made to permit the grant of use patents for pharmaceutical-related inventions, but that no definite decision has yet been made. In addition, no decision has been made as to whether claims in the newly-permitted categories may be added to cases filed under the current law.