Intellectual Property Rights

Rapid technological advancements and increased globalisation have heightened the importance of intellectual property rights (IPR). Strategically securing and managing these assets adds value and creates 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 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 must 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 digitisation present for businesses.

Our team stays updated 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 Industrial Property Appeals Board, 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 for 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 protecting trademarks, designs, patents and domain names

Assistance with enforcing intellectual property rights infringements

Advice and preparation of IPR strategies

Assessment of 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 Industrial Property Appeals Board, EUIPO, WIPO and the courts, including by assisting in negotiations and mediations and by providing expert opinions

Representation in intellectual property disputes before the courts

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

Advising on ensuring the use of intellectual property rights in accordance with laws and regulations

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