Why spend money on a preliminary search? 

The shape and appearance of a product are often decisive factors in determining its commercial success. However developing a new design can be expensive, and it is advisable to investigate which designs already exist at an early stage in the development process.

At the Norwegian Patent Office we carry out thorough, fast and reasonably priced searches. We can give you information about your competitors - and ideas and inspiration for further development.  We have access to a unique national design register, and our staff are specially trained in finding data relevant to your needs.

We offer the following services:

1. Design ownership rights
We check whether an identical or similar product or ornament is registered, or whether an application has been filed.
We give you a summary of registered designs or design applications in Norway for a particular type of product, - or for an ornament on a particular type of product.
More information

2. Name search
We check whether a particular individual or company has registered a design, or has filed a design application in Norway.
More information

3. Statistics
You receive the following bibliographical information concerning a design registration: designer’s name, holder’s name, registered agent, application number and date, registration number and date, application type, Locarno classification and status.
More information

4. Other searches
Searches can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.
Please contact us if you are interested in other types of searches than those described here.
 

Price list

Conditions of Delivery

How to Order a Preliminary Search

Take note of the following:

• A final decision by the Norwegian Patent Office on the probability of a design being registered can only be given in connection with a design application 
• Searches are carried out on the basis of sources available to the Norwegian Patent Office
• During the period between a preliminary search and a later filing of a design application, other applications may have been filed which could prevent the registration of your design
• A preliminary search does not give you priority. Priority can only be obtained on submission of a design application
• For name searches: we search for the original applicant's name. The design register is not updated with the latest information on holders, as there is no obligation to send in a transfer declaration in the event of a transfer of ownership

More information on design searches

1. Design ownership rights
When is this type of search useful?

• When you wish to know whether your design really is new, or is already registered by someone else 
• When you need to know whether your design is likely to infringe the ownership rights of someone else. 
• When you would like inspiration in the design of your product.

2. Name search
When is this type of search useful?

• When you would like a summary of your competitors' design applications and registrations 
• When you would like to know whether your competitor has filed a design application in Norway during the last six months 
• When you are interested in keeping up with the development strategies of your competitors

 
3. Statistics
We can offer the following:
The number of design applications for a certain period of time -

• Arranged according to designer
• Arranged according to designer’s country of origin
• Arranged according to Norwegian designer’s postal code
• Arranged according to holder
• Arranged according to holder’s country of origin
• Arranged according to Norwegian holder’s postal code
• Arranged according to registered agent
• Arranged according to branch
• Arranged according to type of application
• Arranged according to application’s status
• Combination of the above
  

4. Other searches
Searches can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.
Please contact us if you are interested in other types of searches than those described here.

Important information

• We are happy to discuss the search with you beforehand. 
• We contact you if we are unsure of details in you search request 
• We give you quick results 
• We are happy to discuss the results with you