Novelty Search

Is your invention new to the market?

There are many examples of inventions that are made more than once, because the inventor has not investigated sufficiently what already exists. This preliminary examination can clarify whether the idea is new.

Assessment early in the process

Someone may have already patented or applied for patent protection for the same type of invention, or the technique may already be known. If so, the idea cannot be patented and there may perhaps be no basis on which to proceed. Avoid unnecessary development and costs – check first whether the invention is new or is owned by others.

A novelty search may be a good aid in formulating a better patent application, because you can navigate outside of known technology from the start.

We carry out a novelty search to check whether the invention is new in relation to other known technology. This includes published patents and patent applications on a worldwide basis, and other relevant literature. The report will provide answers on what inventions similar to yours already exist.
An examiner specialising in the technical areas concerned will carry out the search. You can have a dialogue before, during and after the preliminary examination.

Which databases do we search in?

Our examiners use databases and tools to which only national patent offices have access.

We search in publicly available information. This means, among other things, that national and international patent applications that are within the secrecy period of 18 months cannot be included in the assessments. The result of an examination is not binding for the Norwegian Industrial Property Office if you should send in an application at a later date.

Checklist for ordering

Information you should include in your order:

Describe the technical solution you believe to be new
Describe in what way you believe that your solution differs from previously known technology – what is unique about it
Attach an illustration, drawing or similar if available
Specify technical expressions familiar to you, ideally in English or another relevant language.
Specify competitors or others operating in the same field
What do you know to be previously known?
Do you have an article that describes the specialist field – possibly the name of a researcher/author?
Websites or other sources

Ordering and delivery

You will usually receive the preliminary examination within 10 working days.

The price of the preliminary examination depends on the size of the assignment.
See under "Novelty Search" in the price list.

A good description of the invention is important to enable us to conduct the best possible examination of novelty.

Explain the technical problem as it exists today.
Present the solution and describe the technical details of the idea in more detail.
Ideally include drawings, sketches, links or similar.
If you know of possible prior art or obstacles, indicate these as well.

After you have placed an order, the examiner will contact you to clarify the assignment in more detail.

Confidentiality

We observe the statutory duty of secrecy in all preliminary examinations, and treat purchases of preliminary examinations confidentially.