Copyright protects and promotes intellectual creation in its different forms. By recognising the right of individuals to control the use of their works, society encourages creativity and promotes the production and distribution of immaterial products as well as investment and trade in them. The protection of cultural commodities and their accessibility underpins national culture and social development.

In Finland, copyright is governed by national legislation, EU directives and international conventions. The Copyright Act protects works of Finnish origin, whereas works of foreign origin are protected under international treaties.

The Finnish Copyright Act came into force in 1961 and has been updated several times since then.  In 2005 Finnish copyright legislation was amended to meet the demands of the digital environment and the internet.

Intellectual property rights (IPRs) have generally been divided into two main areas: industrial property rights and copyright.

In Finland, the Ministry of Education and Culture deals with matters relating to copyright issues, development of copyright legislation and negotiations concerning international copyright treaties.

Industrial property rights, such as patents and trade marks, come under the Ministry of Employment and the Economy.