Intellectual Property Rights

Rapid technological advancements and increased globalisation have heightened the importance of intellectual property rights (IPR). Strategic protection and management of these assets add value and create a competitive edge.

Our lawyers have extensive experience in all areas of intellectual property law, including copyright, trademark law, patent law, design law, protection of trade secrets, and protection under the Norwegian Marketing Control Act.

The team delivers services of very high quality. They are proactive, solution-oriented, efficient, available and very conscious of quality. Their sector knowledge and experience within our sector is unique and makes them our preferred legal adviser.
Legal 500

Companies developing or commercialising products, services, or technology should be aware of the intellectual property rights they utilise. Patents, trademarks, designs, or copyrights can be crucial in ensuring that investments in development yield competitive advantages and returns. However, the intellectual property rights of others can also limit a company’s market maneuverability.

Wiersholm is one of Norway’s leading experts in intellectual property law. For several decades, we have assisted private businesses and public enterprises with everything from advice and agreements, registration and protection, to enforcement and dispute resolution. We focus particularly on the opportunities new technology and digitilisation present for businesses.

Our team stays up-to-date on legal developments in intellectual property, including legislative changes in Norway and the EU, and case law from Norwegian courts, the European Court of Justice, and the Unified Patent Court (UPC). We also monitor developments at Norwegian and European administrative bodies, such as the Norwegian Industrial Property Office, the Norwegian Board of Appeal for Industrial Property Rights, WIPO, EUIPO, and EPO.

We have specialised expertise in industries where intellectual property is particularly crucial, such as technology, media, industry, offshore, renewable energy, life sciences, food, fisheries, and aquaculture. This equips us to handle the unique challenges these sectors face. Additionally, we collaborate closely with Wiersholm’s employment law team on intellectual property matters in the workplace and with our M&A team on due diligence of intellectual property rights in transactions.

Our Services

Preparation of license agreements, transfer agreements and research and development agreements (R&D agreements)

Registration and management of trademarks

Assistance with trademark, design, patent and domain name protection

Assistance in preventing and stopping intellectual property right infringements

Advice relating to and preparation of IPR strategies

Assessment of the validity of intellectual property rights

Assistance in assessing a company’s freedom to operate

Due diligence of intellectual property rights in connection with transactions

Handling of disputes before the Norwegian Industrial Property Office, the Norwegian Board of Appeal for Industrial Property Rights, EUIPO, WIPO and the courts, including assisting in negotiations and mediations and providing expert opinions

Representation in intellectual property disputes before the courts

Assistance in handling intellectual property rights in working life, including employment agreements and employee inventions

Advice to ensure the use of intellectual property rights in accordance with laws and regulations

Seminars and workshops to increase awareness and understanding of intellectual property rights