Finnish entrepreneur registers trademark for children’s book title, sparks dispute

A Finnish entrepreneur has registered the name of a forthcoming children’s book as a trademark, prompting a dispute with its authors and publisher.

The book, Kaislankuiske, by Tampere-based writers Rimma Erkko and Taru Kumara-Moisio, was already in pre-sale when Vantaa-based business owner Teija Pajukanta registered the name as a trademark in late May, according to a report by Yle. The Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) approved the trademark last week.

Pajukanta, owner of home goods company Aitodeco, then contacted the publisher, Nysalor, demanding the authors stop commercial use of the name. Some retailers removed the book from sale following her request.

Erkko, who also illustrated the book, said the name had been in use since the project’s early stages and was publicly visible before the trademark was filed. “It felt completely wrong. We’ve been working on this book together for over a year,” she told Yle.

Pajukanta said she was unaware of the book when applying for the trademark and called the situation “shocking and deeply upsetting.” She added that she had major plans for the brand but would change its name if necessary.

The authors, with support from the Finnish Writers’ Union, have filed a counterclaim with PRH to invalidate the trademark, citing the prior use of the name. The process costs over €300, and Erkko expressed hope the matter would not escalate to the Market Court.