Intellectual property rights
In an increasingly digitalised world, intellectual property rights are becoming more important. These rights—including patents, trademarks, copyright and trade secrets—offer protection for inventions, artistic and scientific works, and business methods. They ensure that creators and innovators receive recognition and have the opportunity to benefit financially from their work.
Protection of innovation and creativity
Safeguarding innovation and creativity is essential in a knowledge-based economy. It ensures that ideas, inventions and creative works are recognised and protected, allowing individuals and organisations to benefit from their contributions to society.
Here you’ll find brief descriptions of how innovation and creativity can be protected through patent law and copyright.
Patent law
What are the requirements for novelty and inventive step in order to obtain a patent?
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Intellectual property in the workplace
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What is a trademark?
A trademark is a distinctive sign that separates the goods and services of one business from those of others. It can be a name, a logo, a slogan, or another unique identifier.
Registering a trademark
- Apply for registration with the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (Patentstyret).
- The trademark must be distinctive and not easily confused with existing marks.
- Trademark rights are obtained either through registration or through established use in the market.
Benefits of registration
- Provides documentation of your rights to the trademark.
- Gives you exclusive rights to use the trademark in connection with the registered goods or services.
- Trademark rights can be renewed every ten years and are not time-limited as long as the registration is renewed or the use is maintained.
Established use
Trademark rights can also be acquired through established use, meaning the mark is used over time and becomes recognised in the market.
Exclusive rights
- Prevents others from using similar marks that could be confused with yours.
- There is a requirement to use the trademark within five years of registration.
Read more about design protection and copyright.
Note: Tekna unfortunately cannot assist with trademark registration.
Learn about design protection
Learn about design protection, what can be protected, and how to register your design with the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (Patentstyret).
What is design protection?
Design protection safeguards the appearance and shape of a product, giving you exclusive rights to exploit the design commercially.
What can be protected?
- The appearance of a product or part of a product.
- The design must be new and have a unique overall impression.
- The technical function of a product is not covered by design protection, but may be protected by a patent.
Registration
- Apply for design protection with the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (Patentstyret).
- The design must differ from what is already publicly available.
- Design protection is granted through registration and is time-limited, with the possibility of renewal every five years for up to 25 years.
Exclusive rights
- Prevents others from using or copying the design without permission.
- Protection lasts up to 25 years, renewed every five years.
Commercialisation
Design protection can increase the value of your product and provide a competitive advantage. In technology where the design is part of a complete concept, compensation is usually required for use of the protected design.
Read more about trademarks and copyright.
Note: Tekna unfortunately cannot assist with design registration. A patent or design agency can help you with this process.
How to apply for a patent – a step-by-step guide
Here you’ll find a detailed guide on how to apply for a patent, including tips for beginners and the importance of using a patent attorney.
Applying for a patent can be a complex process, but this guide will help you through the key steps.
Step 1: preparation
- Check whether your invention is new by conducting a patent search.
- Ensure confidentiality before submitting your application, for example through non-disclosure agreements. You can find examples of such agreements on Innovation Norway’s website.
Step 2: drafting the application
- Describe the invention thoroughly, including technical details and how it solves a technical problem.
- Drawings or diagrams can be helpful.
- Consider using a patent attorney (a patent office) to ensure the application is correctly prepared.
Step 3: submitting the application
- Send the application to the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (Patentstyret) or the relevant authority in other countries.
- Decide in advance which countries you want patent protection in, and how the application should be structured.
Step 4: examination process
- The patent authority will review your application and publish it after 18 months. This allows others to examine the technical solution.
- You may receive feedback and be required to make changes to the application.
step 5: publication and maintenance
- Once the patent is granted, you must pay annual fees to maintain it.
- You can prevent publication by withdrawing the application within certain deadlines.
Read more about novelty requirements and inventive step
Patent Act
Note: Tekna unfortunately cannot assist with patenting. A patent agency can help you with this process.
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