Apply for patent, design or trademark?
Find out whether a patent is the correct protection for you.
Application process timeline
Here are the most important steps to follow when applying for a patent.
-
Before you apply
Applicant
-
Before you apply
Applicant
Check that your idea is new
Check if others own the rights to a similar invention or if the solution exists from before.
-
Before you apply
Applicant
Write and send an application
Do you not have å Norwegian ID number?
-
4-7 months
First evaluation of the application
Within 4-7 months you will receive a letter which will tell you whether your application can lead to a patent or not. Here the application’s description and patent claims will have been evaluated and compared with prior art that we have searched for. We will give you a response deadline within which deficiencies in the application can be corrected.
-
4-12 months
Applicant
Reply to us before the deadline
If all of the criteria have been met and you have rectified the potential deficiencies in the application, it can now be approved for a patent if you wish.
-
Before 12 months
Applicant
Will you apply for patents in other countries?
Have you considered applying for patent protection for the same invention in other countries? Then you must do so within 12 months of the application date to keep the same priority date as your Norwegian application.
-
18 months
Publication
The application will be published 18 months after the filing date. This means that the application and all correspondence relating to the case will be published in the patent registry and can be read by everyone in the world.
If you retract your application before 18 months, then we will not publish it.
-
Granted patent or rejection
If the invention is patentable and the formalities of the application are in order, then the patent application is approved. The patent will then be published and made available for the whole world.
-
Complaints
Others may believe you should not have been granted a patent for your invention and can file a complaint.
-
After a patent is granted
Applicant
Use the patent
When your patent has been granted, you will have several opportunities to achieve financial gain from your investments. A patent can open doors for collaboration agreements, and the patent can form an important part of your business strategy. You should also take care that others do not infringe your rights.
Start a patent application
Start the patent application process using our application guide. The link goes to a login page. After logging in, you can start the application.
Before you apply
See what you need to have ready before you start submitting a patent application.
Learn more about patents and intellectual property
We offer a number of recordings of previous courses and seminars on patents and other intangible assets. You can watch these for free when it suits you.