Kangasniemi Modifies Housing Fair Name Following Trademark Dispute

Kangasniemi municipality in eastern Finland has altered the name of its upcoming housing fair campaign from “Autiotalojen asuntomessut” (Abandoned Houses Housing Fair) to “Autiotalo Messu” following pressure from Suomen Asuntomessut (Finland Housing Fairs Ltd). The decision was made on Monday, March 16, 2026, with a vote of 4-3 by the municipal government [Daily Northern].

Background of the Dispute

The dispute arose from Suomen Asuntomessut’s concerns that the use of “asuntomessut” in Kangasniemi’s campaign would create confusion with their established brand. Suomen Asuntomessut has organized housing fairs in Finland since the 1960s [Daily Northern]. Despite “asuntomessut” not being a registered trademark, the company argued the term is strongly associated with their events.

Trademark Approval and Municipal Response

Kangasniemi had previously received approval from the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) to use the term “Autiotalojen asuntomessut,” including registering a logo for the event [Daily Northern]. The campaign aims to showcase abandoned properties to potential buyers and boost the municipality’s economy [Kangasniemi.fi].

Legal Considerations

Legal experts have noted that “asuntomessut” is not a registered trademark, and PRH rules prevent trademarks from consisting solely of descriptive terms [Daily Northern]. Suomen Asuntomessut has initiated proceedings with the PRH to cancel Kangasniemi’s trademark and threatened legal action, including claims for damages.

Decision to Change Name

Despite having legal grounds to continue using the original name, Kangasniemi’s municipal manager, Kimmo Kainulainen, stated the municipality decided to change the name to avoid a prolonged dispute [Daily Northern]. Kainulainen believes the new name, “Autiotalo Messu,” still conveys the core message of the campaign.

About the Autiotalo Messu Campaign

The Autiotalo Messu, scheduled for June 27 – July 5, 2026, aims to revitalize Kangasniemi by finding new owners and users for vacant homes and properties [Kangasniemi.fi]. The event will focus on traditional and renovation construction methods and aims to attract new residents, vacation homeowners, and remote workers to the area [Maaseutuverkosto.fi]. The project has a budget of under €100,000 [Daily Northern].