Patents Laws in Norway
Here’s a detailed overview of patent laws in Norway:
🔹 Patent Laws in Norway
1. Governing Law
Patents in Norway are governed by the Norwegian Patents Act (Lov om patenter), last updated in 2020.
The Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO) administers patent applications.
2. Patentability Requirements
To be patentable in Norway, an invention must:
Be new (novel),
Involve an inventive step (non-obvious),
Be industrially applicable.
3. Patent Protection
Patents are granted by the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO).
Norway is a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC):
European patents can be validated in Norway.
Norway is a contracting state of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT):
PCT applications can enter the national phase in Norway.
4. Patent Term
Patents last for 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual renewal fees.
5. Application Process
Applications can be filed directly with NIPO.
Substantive examination is required and must be requested within 7 years of the filing or priority date.
Patent applications are published 18 months after filing (or priority date).
6. Language
Applications must be filed in Norwegian.
European patents validated in Norway require a Norwegian translation of the claims.
7. Enforcement
Patents are enforced through Norwegian courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, and seizure of infringing goods.
8. International Treaties
Norway is a member of:
The European Patent Convention (EPC)
The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
The Paris Convention
The TRIPS Agreement
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Norwegian Patents Act |
| Patent Authority | Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO) |
| Patent Term | 20 years from filing |
| Filing Options | National, European (EPC), PCT national phase |
| Language | Norwegian |
| Patent Enforcement | Norwegian courts |
| International Treaties | EPC, PCT, Paris Convention, TRIPS |
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