Why spend money on a preliminary search?

A successful trademark can often be a valuable asset. To ensure that you do not spend money on developing and using a trademark owned by someone else, we advise you to check out your proposed trademark early in the development process.

At the Norwegian Patent Office we carry out thorough, fast and reasonably priced searches for you. We can furnish you with information concerning your competitors, - and also ideas and inspiration for further development. Searches are carried out in our national trademark register and in international databases, and our staff are specially trained in finding data relevant to your needs.

Individual requirements

Preliminary 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, and we will do our best to help you.
 

We offer the following services

1. List of similar trademarks
We check whether a trademark, similar or identical to the one you describe, is already registered or whether an application has been filed in Norway or abroad. The search includes all types of trademarks in Norway, whereas only word marks are included in searches abroad.
More information

2. Assessment of the probability of a trademark being registered
We give you an assessment as to whether your trademark meets the necessary requirements for registration in accordance with the Trademarks Act.
More information

3. Name search
We check whether a specific individual or company has registered a trademark or has filed a trademark application in Norway or abroad.
More information

4. Monitoring trademarks applications
You receive information periodically concerning the status of a specific trademark application.
More information

5. Statistics
You receive the following bibliographical information concerning a trademark: holder’s name, applicant’s name, registered agent, application number and date, registration number and date, application type, Nice classification and status.
More information
 

Price list

Conditions of Delivery

How to Order a Preliminary Search

Take note of the following:

• Searches are based on information available at the Norwegian Patent Office and do not include trademarks established by use 
• A trademark application filed by a foreign applicant may not yet be registered in our database and may have an earlier date of priority.
• During the period between a preliminary search and a later filing of your trademark application, other applications may have been filed which could prevent the registration of your mark
• A search will not be made for similar company names
• A preliminary search does not grant you priority. Priority can only be obtained on submission of a trademark application
• A final decision by the Norwegian Patent Office on the probability of a trademark meeting the requirements for registration can only be given in connection with a trademark application
  

To order

More information concerning our services

1. List of similar trademarks
When is this type of search useful?

• When you are planning to use a particular trademark, or are applying to register a trademark, and you are uncertain as to whether or not it is unique. 
• When you need to know whether your trademark is likely to infringe the ownership rights of others.
• When you want to ensure that your trademark hasn’t already been registered by someone else, before you spend money on marketing
• When you want to know whether the trademark you plan to protect in Norway has already been applied for by someone else abroad during the last six months. This application may have an earlier date of priority than the Norwegian application.

2. Assessment of the probability of a trademark being registered
We check:

• Whether the trademark is distinctive. The trademark is checked in relevant dictionaries and reference books
• Whether a trademark, similar or identical to the one you describe, is already registered or whether an application has been filed in Norway.
• Whether there exist any other obstacles to registration in accordance with the Trademarks Act
  

When is this type of search useful?

• When you are planning to use a particular trademark, or are applying to register a trademark, and you are uncertain as to whether or not it is unique. 
• When you need to know whether your trademark is likely to infringe the ownership rights of others.
• When you want to ensure that your trademark hasn’t already been registered by someone else, before you spend money on marketing
• When you are planning to expand abroad, it’s a good idea to get an assessment as to whether your trademark meets the necessary requirements for registration in Norway in accordance with the Trademarks Act. 
    

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

• When you are interested in a summary of your competitors' trademark applications and registrations
• When you would like to know whether your competitor has filed a trademark application
• When you are interested in keeping an eye on your competitors' trademark strategies   

4. Monitoring trademark applications
We offer the following services:

• Periodical search concerning the status of a specific trademark application.
• Periodical search of all available correspondence concerning a specific trademark application.
• Periodical search concerning trademark applications or registrations filed by a specific individual or company in Norway.

Monitoring may be carried out once a month or once a fortnight. You can choose to receive either periodical confirmation that the search has been carried out or be informed only when there are new developments.

When is this type of search useful?

• When you are familiar with a particular trademark application and wish to be informed when the trademark is either registered or refused
• When you are familiar with a particular trademark application and wish to receive a copy of any new documents made available during the examination of the application. 
• When you would like to be kept informed of any future trademark applications filed by a particular company. 
• When you would like to know whether your competitors have filed trademark applications in Norway or in other countries
• When you would like the opportunity to file a protest against a trademark application or registration.

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

• Arranged according to holder
• Arranged according to holder’s country of origin
• Arranged according to Norwegian holder’s postal code
• Arranged according to applicant
• Arranged according to applicant’s country of origin
• Arranged according to Norwegian applicant’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