Maritime and Shipping

Fisheries

There are extensive marine resources on the Norwegian continental shelf. Seafood is Norway’s second largest export and source of income, after oil. The largest share of the sea food caught by Norwegian vessels consists of cod and species of cod, followed by pelagic fish such as mackerel and herring. Then come shellfish and molluscs, followed by flatfish and groundlings.

A lot of Norwegian seafood is processed abroad before reaching the consumer. Developing efficient and cost-effective processing methods in the water and on shore, can reduce the distance the seafood must travel and contribute to more climate-friendly production and export. There is a huge potential for patenting in this area.

Industry Players

Shipbuilding in Norway is operated by a variety of companies and institutions, ranging from small yards with a few dozen employees, to large multinational companies with production, research and development in many countries. Norwegian shipbuilding is mainly carried out on the West coast of Norway, but parts of the ships are often produced abroad where production costs are lower.

Why are intellectual property rights important?

Competition in this industry is tough and technical solutions, visual features and trademarks are protected through patents, design protection and trademark protection. Whether you are a manufacturer, developer, supplier, or user, you need to deal with the industry’s IPR protection.

The ships, together with the technology used onboard, operate in many waters and harbours. Understanding how to safeguard and enforce IPR rights across borders is therefore important. It is also important to choose the right kind of protection, depending on the nature of the technology, its use and production procedure.

How can we help?

Bryn Aarflot’s highly qualified and experienced team can advise on all patent and intellectual property issues. We have many years’ experience of patenting marine inventions both in Norway and internationally. We want our clients to have robust and enforceable IPR protection. In the initial phase, we can also help you assess risks and patentability before deciding to go ahead with patent protection, design protection or brand protection. We can help right from the ideas stage to securing necessary protection and onwards. Our patent attorneys and lawyers also help with objections, committee hearings, disputes and litigation.