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Norway

NO

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Norway.

Authority

Patentstyret / NIPO

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

  1. 1

    Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Norway

  2. 2

    Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority

  3. 3

    Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Norway

Norwegian invention patents can be obtained through Patentstyret (national route) or the European Patent Office (EPO). **Important: Norway is a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC) but NOT an EU member (it is an EEA/EFTA member)** — European patents designating Norway take effect after grant, but EU Trade Marks (EUTM) do NOT cover Norway. Norway has its own national trademark system. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date.

Patent Filing Routes ▾
1. **NO national patent** — Filed in Norwegian or English with Patentstyret; Norway-only protection; 2. **European patent (EPO)** — Filed via EPO, designating Norway; validated after grant; 3. **PCT route** — PCT applications can enter the European phase (EPO designating Norway) or the NO national phase. **Note: Norway is not an EU member and does not participate in the Unitary Patent mechanism.**

Source: Patentstyret; EPO official website

Norway is NOT in the EU — IP Strategy Implications ▾
This is a critical point for IP protection strategy in Norway: - **EU Trade Marks (EUTM) do NOT cover Norway** — a separate Norwegian national application or Madrid designation (NO) is required for trademark protection in Norway; - **The EU Unitary Patent does NOT include Norway** — European patents must be separately validated in Norway; - Norway is an EEA (European Economic Area) member, following most EU internal market rules, but IP registrations under EU systems require separate handling for Norway.

Source: Patentstyret; EPO; EUIPO

Patent Term ▾
Norwegian invention patents have a standard term of 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

Source: Patentstyret

Utility Model ▾
Norway has a utility model system with a shorter term and simpler examination procedure, suitable for inventions requiring faster protection. See Patentstyret for specific rules.

Source: Patentstyret official website

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Norway

Norwegian trademarks are administered by Patentstyret, obtained through national registration or a Madrid international application (designating NO). **Key note: EU Trade Marks (EUTM) do NOT cover Norway — separate Norwegian trademark filings (national or Madrid designation) are required.**

Trademark Filing Routes ▾
1. **NO national trademark** — Filed in Norwegian with Patentstyret; Norway only; 2. **Madrid application designating NO** — Norway joined the Madrid Protocol in 1996 and can be designated. **Note: EUTM does NOT cover Norway — independent filing is required for Norwegian trademark protection.**

Source: Patentstyret; WIPO Madrid

Registration Term and Renewal ▾
Norwegian national trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Source: Patentstyret official website

EEA and EU System Relationship ▾
Norway is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and closely follows EU internal market rules, but is NOT an EU member. EU IP registrations (EUTM, Unitary Patent) do NOT cover Norway. When planning European IP protection, Norway must be addressed separately.

Source: Patentstyret; EPO; EUIPO

Patent Annuity

Norway Patent Annuities

Norwegian patent annuities are paid to Patentstyret (national patents) or EPO (European patents). Engage a local representative to manage your annuity schedule.

Source: Patentstyret

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Norway Trademark Renewals

Norwegian trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewed with Patentstyret every 10 years.

Source: Patentstyret official website

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Norway IP

Does an EUTM (EU Trade Mark) cover Norway? ▾
No. Norway is not an EU member state. EUTM registrations do NOT cover Norway. Separate Norwegian trademark protection must be obtained via national filing with Patentstyret or Madrid designation (NO).
Can a European patent (EPO) take effect in Norway? ▾
Yes. Norway is an EPC member state. European patents designating Norway take effect in Norway after grant and validation.
Does Norway participate in the EU Unitary Patent? ▾
No. Norway is not an EU member and does not participate in the Unitary Patent mechanism. European patents must be separately validated in Norway.
How long does a Norwegian invention patent last? ▾
20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.
What is the PCT national phase deadline for Norway? ▾
Typically 31 months from the priority date (via EPO European phase or entering the Norwegian national phase).
Can Norway be designated in a Madrid trademark application? ▾
Yes. Norway joined the Madrid Protocol in 1996 and can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.
How long is a Norwegian trademark valid? ▾
10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Does Norway have utility model protection? ▾
Yes. Norway has a utility model system with a simpler examination procedure, suitable for inventions needing faster protection.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

Norwegian Industrial Property Office (Patentstyret) www.patentstyret.no European Patent Office (EPO) www.epo.org WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Norway (NO) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/ WIPO Madrid Member Info — Norway www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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