Prepare a patent specification which includes

- a written description to allow others to see how it works

- drawings to illustrate your invention

- claims precise legal statements in the form of single sentences to define the technical features

- an abstract (a summary that includes the important technical aspects)

You fill in and file the form “Patentansøgning””, together with a copy of your patent specification by posting it to our office or delivering it in our letter box.

You can also file electronically from our web page by following the guidelines. Guidelines can be found at our web site.

We respond by issuing a filing receipt which includes an application number. PA YYYY 00000 (PA=Patent Application Year and a 5-digit number).

If you are applying without the help of a professional representative we will also send you a letter explaining the next steps. Guidelines are also to be found at our web site.

We carry out a preliminary examination to make sure that your application meets certain formal requirements. If the formal requirements are not met we will write to you asking for the missing information.

If everything is in accordance witht the formal requirements, we carry out a search and examination and you will receive a reply including an examination report within 6-10 months from the filing date (priority date).

You will have to reply to opur examiniation report within 6 months.

We publish your patent application shortly after 18 months from the filing date or priority date, as long as you have met the formal requirements and paid the fee, and not asked us to withdraw the application.

We reexamine your application and let you know what, if anything needs to be amended and the period of time you have in which to respond.

If your application meets all the requirements, we will grant your patent, publish your application and send you a certificate of grant.