Preliminary search service - before you apply for rights
If you are thinking about something new in terms of technology, trademark, logo or design, you should check whether others have rights that could stop your plans. A preliminary survey can give you information about this early in the process.
Useful for companies in various phases
A preliminary search provide useful information both for companies in the establishment phase and for established companies working with new products, new technology or with further development of existing products and portfolios.
The information can be used as a strategic tool in further business planning.
Preliminary search service - trademark
Have you found a new name for your company, service or product, or are you working on developing brand names and logos for clients? Other people's rights may stop you from using the intended name.
A preliminary search can answer you whether someone has already registered or applied to register a similar name or logo. You can also check whether it is possible to get exclusive rights to the name or logo.
If you check early in the process, you have time to make the necessary changes before launch. Then you can also prevent conflicts with other trademark owners.
Before you spend time and money on a new trademark, it is important to find out about the rights of others. This preliminary search will provide you with a listing of registered trademarks that may be similar to yours.
Use the preliminary examination if you:
- wonder whether your trademark is unique or original
- want to make sure that your trademark has not been registered previously or does not resemble other registered trademarks
Content and quality
- Norway: we examine whether there are trademark applications or registered trademarks in Norway that are phonetically or visually similar, identical to - or contain your trademark. Trademarks are confusing if they are phonetically or visually similar, and apply to the same or similar goods or services.
- The preliminary search does not include unregistered trademarks that are used in Norway. We therefore recommend that you also check other sources, such as the Brønnøysund registers for company names and Norid for domain names. In addition, you should search the internet to see if the word you want to register is used by others.
If you want to protect your name or logo with a trademark registration, it is advantageous first to check whether the trademark fulfils the requirements. This preliminary examination will provide you, within a few days, with an assessment of whether the trademark can be registered in Norway.
The name or logo must be distinctive, differ from the distinguishing marks of others and fulfil other requirements set out in the Trademarks Act to enable it to be registered as a trademark.
Content and quality
- You will receive a technical assessment of whether the trademark can be registered in Norway. We check whether there any similar registered trademarks or trademark applications, or other obstacles in the Trademarks Act.
- The assessment does not include unregistered trademarks that are used in Norway. We therefore recommend that you also check other sources, such as the Brønnøysund Register Centre for company names and Norid for domain names. In addition, you should search online to see whether the word you wish to have registered is being used by others.
- Please note that ordering this preliminary examination does not include trademark registration. To register the trademark, you must submit a separate application for trademark registration.
Preliminary search service - patent
When you are developing a new product or technical solution, it can be crucial to gain insight into existing patents and ideas. This is why it pays off to conduct thorough preliminary searches early in the process.
- Check your freedom to operate: Find out if others already have exclusive rights to similar solutions. This reduces the risk of costly conflicts or having your project blocked by existing patents.
- Learn from existing technology: Use the patent literature as inspiration when further developing your own ideas, and see which solutions others have already tested.
- Don’t reinvent the wheel: Determine whether your solution is truly new before investing significant time and resources in further product development.
- Gain a market advantage: A preliminary search gives you an overview of what competitors are working on and which technical areas are still open for innovation.
Preliminary search service - design
When you are working on a new design, it can be useful to check whether others have already registered similar products or ornaments. We do not offer our own preliminary search services for design, but you can contact our customer service for advice and guidance on how to search databases and find out if there are designs that visually resemble yours.
Which databases do we search in?
The searches are carried out using professional search methodology, and we use, among other things, databases and tools that only national patent offices have access to. We search publicly available information.
Confidentiality
We have a statutory duty of confidentiality, and you are guaranteed full confidentiality when you order a preliminary examination.
What is the delivery time?
The delivery time depends on the assignment. You can get express delivery for an additional price. You will find an overview of normal delivery times on the page with prices and delivery times.
How much does it cost?
Preliminary Search Service is a paid service, and the price depends on the size of the assignment. You will find some prices in our price overview, but we will give a more specific price offer when we receive an order.
How to order a preliminary search?
Contact us for an initial consultation
Contact our customer service centre for more information or to order a preliminary search. You can call us on +47 22 38 73 00, or use the contact form.
Use the order form in Altinn
If you wish to order a preliminary search directly, we recommend using the form in Altinn. This is a secure and traceable channel, and you will receive a receipt immediately.
Unable to use Altinn?
If you are unable to use Altinn, you may send your order directly to the Norwegian Industrial Property Office by email.
Be aware that there is a risk that sensitive information may be exposed when using email. If you choose to use email, we recommend using Secure File Exchange to send files safely.
Preliminary trademark search: FUSVM@patentstyret.no
Preliminary patent search: patentoppdrag@patentstyret.no