Finnish Patent law has been revised with effect from April 1, 1997. Under the revised law, pre-grant oppositions are no longer possible but granted patents will be subject to the possibility of post-grant opposition for a period of nine months after grant. Furthermore, if it is desired to divide a patent application by the filing of a divisional application, this may now be effected at any time up to the point at which the applicant is advised that the application has been allowed and that printing fees are due.