Joona Jalkanen, the son of famous Finnish artist Kari Tapio, has been registering the names of notable Finnish schlager artists as EU trademarks through his company, J. Jalkanen Oy. According to a report by Helsingin Sanomat, this includes not only the name Kari Tapio but also popular figures like Vesa-Matti Loiri and Paula Koivuniemi, as well as the recognizable phrase 'Olen suomalainen' from one of Tapio's songs. This commercialization of artistic legacies has raised eyebrows within the community and among family members associated with these artists.

Family members of the artists involved have expressed their discontent with Jalkanen's actions. Toni Lehti, the son of Paula Koivuniemi, claims that he is the actual holder of his mother's trademark, while Jenni Loiri, daughter of Vesa-Matti Loiri, announced publicly that she had not given her consent for Jalkanen to register her father's name as a trademark. Her comments highlight a growing concern over the ownership and commercialization of cultural identities, especially when it involves family members feeling sidelined in these business arrangements.

The article raises important questions about the ethical implications of trademarking names and phrases associated with artists who have contributed significantly to Finnish culture. The tensions highlighted reflect deeper issues within the entertainment industry regarding legacy, respect, and financial gain. As more artists' names and identities are turned into trademarks, it foregrounds a debate about how commercial interests can sometimes clash with familial and historical significance in the arts.