If injury or damage is caused by a product to a person or property, the manufacturer, distributor or seller of the product can be liable to pay damages. DLA Piper is here to help, both when it comes to preventative advice and resolving disputes of a civil or administrative nature. Our dispute resolution and regulatory lawyers have in-depth experience representing clients in this area of law.
In simplified terms, product liability in Finland can be divided into two categories: liability in B2C relations and in B2B relations.
In B2C relations, the relevant provisions can be found in the Finnish Product Liability Act. Compensation is paid for an injury or damage sustained or incurred because the product was not as safe as could have been expected. Liability under the Act is strict liability. Therefore, the liability is independent of whether the liable party acted negligently or intentionally.
In B2B relations, the liability to pay damages may arise based on negligent conduct or a contract between the parties, except for personal injuries for which strict liability is applied. Unlike in B2C relations, in B2B relations liability can also be mitigated by contractual clauses.
