Validity search
Are you unsure about the validity of a patent? A validity search may reveal further documents not found during search and examination of the patent in question. The new documents found may clarify the scope of a patent or possibly invalidate the patent.
Why order a validity search?
In a validity search, we search for publications that may be relevant for the validity of the patent. We provide you with a report with published documents that may be relevant for the assessment of the validity of a patent. Such an assessment is not straightforward and we recommend that you get help from an IP advisor for this. The Norwegian Industrial Property Office does not assess the validity of a patent in this service. We only conduct validity searches for patents examined by other patent authorities than the Norwegian Industrial Property Office.

Get help from a professional advisor
Intellectual property rights are a complex subject. An advisor or patent agent can help you with legal and strategic questions and help you with application writing and follow-up.
Who is the service suitable for?
A validity search may be relevant if you are considering filing an opposition against a granted patent or as a part of a defence against a patent infringement claim. You may also order a validity search if you want to assess the strength of your own patent, for example in connection with the acquisition or sale of licensing rights.
We adapt the search to your needs
Before we start the search, we discuss the search strategy with you. You decide the scope of the validity search and the number of hours we will spend. You will receive a report that shows an overview of publications that describe relevant technology. In the report, we categorize all publications according to relevance. We can adapt the format of the report to your needs. If you wish, we can also provide a claim chart that map which technical features of a claim are disclosed in a publication.
How is a validity search conducted?
- You order the validity search
Send us the necessary documentation, including the patent number (see below). - We follow up
We will contact you to discuss limitations and scope. You will receive a price estimate and a delivery date. - Implementation
After you have accepted the offer, we will start the search. - Dialogue along the way
We will contact you if there is a need to adjust the search. - Delivery
You will receive a report with an overview of relevant publications. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. - Invoicing
We will send you an invoice for the assignment after it has been completed.
What do we need from you?
To get started, we need:
- The patent number of the patent in question.
- Information about any limitations, such as specific patent claims.
- Please indicate how you would like the report, e.g. if you would like the results in a claim chart.
Price and time spent
A validity search normally takes between 20 and 30 hours. The time required depends on the scope and complexity of the search. We invoice an hourly rate of NOK 1,300 for the search.