Joona Jalkanen, the son of renowned Finnish singer Kari Tapio, is reportedly registering prominent Finnish artists as trademarks through his company J. Jalkanen Oy, according to Helsingin Sanomat. Notably, he has registered names such as Vesa-Matti Loiri and Paula Koivuniemi, asserting that these actions stem from his relationships with these individuals. His actions have raised eyebrows, especially as he also registered the term 'Olen suomalainen,' famously associated with his father’s music.

The news has caused a stir within the Finnish arts community, particularly as concerns have been raised by individuals like Toni Lehti, the son of Koivuniemi, who claims to be the actual holder of the trademark. Furthermore, as per reports, the trademarks related to Vesa-Matti Loiri were transferred to his ex-wife Riitta Loiri earlier this year, while Jenni Loiri, Loiri's daughter, stated that she did not provide her approval for these registrations.

These trademark registrations imply that any theater performances, plays, or other works related to Loiri or Koivuniemi can only proceed with the trademark holder's permission. Composer and writer Esa Nieminen has expressed apprehensions regarding the implications of such trademarking for artistic freedom and collaboration in Finland, indicating that this legal maneuvering might hamper creative expressions linked to these beloved cultural figures.