In due time before preparing the instruments of incorporation, you must find a trade name for the cooperative. The trade name is required to identify the cooperative uniquely and be clearly distinguishable from other trade names already in the Trade Register. It may be useful to browse through some registered trade names. This is possible on info service websites like YTJ and Virre .
According to the Trade Names Act, the trade name of a cooperative has to include the word ”osuuskunta”, the element ”osuus” in a compound word or the abbreviation ”osk” referring to the legal form. If the trade name is in Swedish language, the corresponding elements are the word ”andelslag”, the element ”andels” or the abbreviation ”anl”.
The trade name is registered either in Finnish or Swedish language. It can have other parallel trade names in other languages, i.e., translations of the Finnish or Swedish trade name. Any parallel trade name must be included in the statutes of the cooperative.
Auxiliary trade name
The cooperative can exercise part of its activity under an auxiliary trade name. A board resolution can implement an auxiliary trade name. Upon registration of the auxiliary trade name, you will have to precise the part(s) of the line of activities of the cooperative exercised under the auxiliary trade name, which is not allowed to contain the reference to the legal form. Every auxiliary trade name to be registered requires the payment of a separate handling fee.
More information: https://www.prh.fi/fi/kaupparekisteri/yritystennimet/aputoiminimi.html
Parallel trade name
Suppose you wish to file an auxiliary or a parallel trade name for the cooperative. In that case, it must be mentioned on the notification form(s) of the Trade Register, even when there is a separate board resolution concerning the extra name attached to the application.
More information: https://www.prh.fi/fi/kaupparekisteri/yritystennimet/rinnakkaistoiminimi.html
There is no guarantee that a given trade name will be successfully registered. You can submit with your notification of incorporation some alternative names to be examined to save time. Their maximum number is three. These names will only be reviewed if the original trade name is unacceptable for registration. There is no use in produce forms, letterheads, or signboards before the trade name is officially registered.