What is a patent? 

A patent protects a practical solution to a technical problem.

A patent gives you exclusive rights to exploit your invention commercially for a limited period. During this time, you can prevent others from manufacturing, importing or selling the invention you have patented.

To be granted a patent, your invention must fulfill certain requirements.

Why use patent protection

A patent can give you an important competitive advantage because you will enjoy exclusive rights to use your invention commercially.

By being able to document your right to an invention, you have a sound basis for negotiating finance for development costs and for entering into sales and licensing agreements.

Patent protection can be used as a means of safeguarding the assets represented by your new creation or product development.

What can be patented?

A patent can only be granted for an invention.
In order for an invention to lead to a patent it must constitute a practical solution to a problem where the solution is of a technical nature or effect and is reproducible. You can not be granted a patent for an idea without describing or showing how the solution works in practice.

Processes, products and devices can be patented, for example zip fasteners, computer technology and blood analyses. 

The invention must be new.
The invention must not have been made known to others before the day on which the patent application is filed. Any information concerning the invention, which has been described in earlier patents, journals or other literature (applies world-wide), will prevent the granting of a patent. The same applies if the invention has been shown at an exhibition or during a lecture, described in a newspaper, or offered for sale.

The invention must differ significantly from previous technology in the area. It cannot be merely the next logical stage in a known technical process. 

Where and how do I apply for a patent?
In Norway:

In order to apply for patent protection in Norway you need to file a patent application to the Norwegian Industrial Property Office.
A Norwegian patent provides protection only within Norway.

Patent Application Form  (in Norwegian only)

For information on applying for patents outside Norway, see 'Patenting outside Norway - international patent systems' 

What should you consider before applying for a patent?

1. It is a good idea to check existing patent literature. You may be wasting time and money developing something that has already been invented? 
   The Norwegian Industrial Property Office Search and Examination Service carries out fast, reasonably priced investigations on your behalf and can also assess the results.
   You may also look through the available patent documentation yourself, by paying us a visit at the Norwegian Industrial Property Office. You will be given access to patents from Norway and most of the world's industrial countries.
    
2. Seek professional assistance 
   There are many special requirements in a patent application.
   Details left out of an application may ruin or weaken your chances of being granted a patent or may make the protection less or more comprehensive than desired. If you have little or no experience of patent applications we recommend you to seek professional assistance. A professional patent agent can assist in drafting an application in Norway and abroad, and also follow up important deadlines and payment dates. 
   An overview of professional patent agents can be found in the Norwegian Yellow Pages (These pages are in Norwegian only - the keyword is "patentbyråer")

How much does it cost to apply for a patent in Norway?

Application Fee
a) basic fee     NOK 1100
b) search fee     NOK 3100
c) additional fee for each patent claim in excess of ten   NOK 200
 
In the case of the applicant being a private person or a small company of 20 man-years or less, the fee shall be payable according to the following rates: 
a) basic fee    NOK 800
b) additional fee for each patent claim in excess of ten  NOK 200

Before a patent can be granted, a fee of NOK 1100 must be paid + an extra fee for number of pages in excess of 14.

You will also have to pay annual renewal fees. Patent protection ceases if the renewal fees are not paid. Renewal fees start at NOK 550 per annum and increase gradually to NOK 5900 for the 20th year.
More information on fees 

When does a patent expire? 

A patent can last for up to 20 years from the date of filing the application. An renewal fee has to be paid each year. Failure to do so will result in the patent lapsing. More information on fees and amounts For medicines and herbal remedies it is possible in certain cases to apply for a five-year extension (SPC application form) (in Norwegian only)

If the patent is later deemed to have been granted under false pretences, it may be pronounced legally void.

After a patent has expired, anyone has the right to use the invention. In certain cases however, the rights of others to the patent may be regulated by other forms of legislation, for example copyright or marketing legislation.  

Employee's inventions

If you have created an invention in connection with your job and are uncertain as to your rights to that invention, read more about employee's inventions.

If you have any questions concerning patent protection 

please contact the Norwegian Industrial Property Office Information Centre,
tel: 22 38  73 33,
e-mail or
visit us at Sandakerveien 64, in Oslo. (see map)

Application form (in Norwegian only)

Legal texts