Timeline for design registration

To obtain an exclusive design right in Norway, your design must be new when you file the application. We do not examine if your design is new - the Designs Act presupposes that the applicant is acquainted with what designs exist in the relevant market. You can show your design publicly no earlier than 12 months before you submit the application, without it spoiling the novelty. This may be relevant if you want to try out the design in the market before applying.

If you want to check if a similar design is already registered or applied for, you can make a search in our database and in international databases. 

There are a few questions you must answer during the application process. 

When you are ready to file the application, you can log in to our digital application form. You will be guided step by step. 

If you have received a letter from NIPO, it is important that we receive your answer within the time limit. If you do not answer, or answer too late, we will shelve your application. Please use the form for correspondence in Altinn. 

When you have obtained a design registration, you should think through how you can make the best use of your right. You can, for instance, use it in marketing, in agreements with cooperation partners and to expose the values of your business. 

If you want to apply in other countries, you should do so within 6 months from you filed your application in Norway. Then you can claim priority from the day you filed your application in Norway. Priority means that your design takes precedence over all designs that are filed in the other countries after you filed your application in Norway. 

The design registration lasts for 5 years. You must pay a renewal fee for continued registration.