Order a search service
The cost of a search conducted by the Norwegian Industrial Property Office on behalf of you or your IP advisor, to gather useful information for preparing a patent application.
NOK 5 000 – 30 000
How much does a patent application cost?
Obtaining a patent for your invention can be crucial for protecting the value of your innovation — but the process can also be expensive. Here, you will find an overview of the factors that affect the cost, along with an approximate estimate of what it might cost to apply for a patent in Norway and internationally.
What determines the cost?
Several factors influence the cost of applying for a patent:
- Application complexity – The more complex the invention, the more work is required to draft the application.
- Field of technology – In innovation-intensive industries like consumer electronics or medical technology, more thorough novelty searches and strategically worded claims may be needed to avoid conflicts with existing patents.
- Technical complexity – Inventions in fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or artificial intelligence often require highly detailed descriptions, specific experimental data, and extensive legal review.
- Scope and geography – A national application is usually less expensive than regional or international applications. Translations and adapting to different national regulations add to the cost.
- Number of claims – A higher number of claims can increase costs due to additional filing fees and the extra work required to draft them.
Professional assistance
Patenting is a complex field, and it is easy to make mistakes without proper guidance. That is why many choose to work with a patent agency or an IP advisor. They can assist with drafting and wording the application, and with navigating strict requirements and deadlines throughout the examination process. They may also help with fee management, such as the payment of annual renewal fees.
Estimated costs of applying for a patent
Here is an approximate estimate of the costs involved in applying for a patent in Norway and continuing via the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty), which is the most common route to international patent protection.
Before you apply
Applicant
Submission of a Norwegian patent application
Applicant
Apply in Norway
The cost for work carried out by your IP advisor to draft and submit the patent application on your behalf.
NOK 40 000 – 100 000*
* The price includes fees to the Norwegian Industrial Property Office. The price does not include costs for your IP advisor's follow-up on your application after submission, which is often required.
Total cost of applying in Norway
NOK 45 000 - 130 000
The next step
If you plan to sell or manufacture your invention outside Norway, you should also apply for patent protection in the relevant countries. This decision is made after receiving a response to your Norwegian patent application.
Submission of an international patent application
Applicant
Apply internationally via PCT
The cost of work carried out by your IP advisor to draft and submit the patent application on your behalf. This must be done within 12 months of submitting your Norwegian application.
From approx. NOK 50 000 – 60 000*
* The price includes fees to the Norwegian Industrial Property Office, EPO, or WIPO. The price does not include costs for your IP advisor's follow-up on your application after submission, which is often required.
The next step
Once the PCT opinion is ready, you must decide which countries you want to extend your patent application to. The location of your market and where your competitors are active are two important factors to consider when choosing countries.
Submission of an international patent application
Applicant
Extend your PCT application to countries outside Norway
The cost of work carried out by your IP advisor to draft and submit patent applications on your behalf. This must be done within 30 months of submitting your Norwegian application.
NOK 30 000 – 60 000 per country*
* The price includes fees to the selected countries. The price does not include costs for your IP advisor's follow-up on your applications after submission, which is often required.
Total cost of applying in Norway and internationally
From NOK 200 000 – 600 000
There is no upper cost limit – costs will vary significantly depending on the complexity of the invention and the strategy you choose for protection.
Frequently asked questions
Support schemes
It is common to have limited funds during the startup phase, and many finance development with their own savings. Therefore, it may be wise to explore which public and private organizations offer support schemes and grants.
See the list of support schemes at DNB (Norwegian only)Patent renewal fees
You can renew your patent in Norway annually for up to 20 years. The fee increases each year the patent is maintained. The first payment is due at the beginning of the third year after filing.
- Annual fees for the first three years (total): NOK 2 730
- Annual fees from the fourth year onwards:
We do not send invoices for renewal, but you will receive a reminder letter from us two months before the payment deadline, with information about what to pay and how.
If you have registered your patent internationally, you or your IP advisor must contact the national patent offices for information about renewal procedures and fees.
Other fees and charges
Payment of fees and charges
All payment deadlines are final. You must pay the fee or charge well before the due date in order to avoid late fees. If you pay too late, your application will be shelved, or you may not get a renewal of your registration.