Design
A design registration is a time-limited exclusive right to the appearance of a design. This exclusive right can be used to prevent others from exploiting your design. During the registration period you can prevent others from the production, import or marketing of the design you have protected.
A registered design will provide you with a better foundation for entering into contracts with others, for instance for licensing purposes. In many cases a registered right is an absolute prerequisite for obtaining an agreement on co-operation.
The right to a design in Norway is achieved by registering an application with The Norwegian Patent Office. It is possible to protect a part of or a section of a product. Furthermore it is possible to protect graphical designs, electronic images, home pages, interiors and typographical fonts. The maximum time of registration is 25 years from the date of filing. A design must be registered in each country where design protection is desired.
If your design has been published, the design may still be registered in Norway, provided the application for the design registration is filed within 12 months from the publication date.
Examples of services we offer in connection with designs include:
- General counselling
- Strategic counselling
- Search and evaluation regarding the novelty and individual character of a design
- Registration of designs in Norway and abroad
- Assistance in cases concerning design rights, for instance in connection with conflicts
- Assistance concerning assignment or licensing of rights
- Agreements of confidentiality
We offer tailored solutions as required.
Normal procedure and expected time consumption
An application for a design registration in Norway is not examined for novelty or individual character. Accordingly it usually takes only a couple of months before an application for a design registration is registered.
Do not hesitate to contact our consultants for more information regarding design.
