Bryn Aarflot and Protector IP become one of Norway’s biggest IP firms
Bryn Aarflot and Protector IP have decided to join forces, to create an even stronger professional environment within intellectual property. Following the merger, we will become one of the largest IP firms in Norway.
The name of the firm will continue as Bryn Aarflot and will employ more than 60 IP professionals ready to serve existing and new clients. The two companies complement each other extremely well and share both core values and methodical approach. Protector IP is an important player within patents, trademarks and designs, and offers a full range of services within patents and legal services. This makes Protector IP a natural partner and will further strengthen our team and services, benefitting both existing and new clients.
IP will be increasingly important
Protection and administration of trademarks, designs, patents and other IP rights have become increasingly important. At the same time, the IP industry is rapidly changing, with big international actors entering the Norwegian market.
It is business critical for many companies that their intellectual property is handled strategically. The consequences can be severe if technology is stolen or brands are abused, which is why a conscious and strategic approach to intellectual property rights is crucial
A survey conducted by the analysis company CompuMark shows that 85% of the companies in the U.S., UK, Germany, France and Italy experienced brand abuse in 2019 – an increase of 11 percent from 2017. There are reasons to believe the increase has continued and that the trend is increasing in Norway as well.
According to Statistics Norway, the number of applications for patents and trademarks increased with around 9% from 2020 to 2021, after having declined for some years. This shows a greater awareness and understanding of the importance of securing and capitalizing on intellectual values.
A natural next step
Joining forces with Protector IP, we aim to be the best IP firm in Norway and to offer topnotch services to our clients. To obtain this, we need to have the broadest possible competence to solve the challenges our customers face within different industries and markets all over the world.
– “Bryn Aarflot and Protector IP complement each other well, both when it comes to competence and mix of clients. Together we aim to offer our clients the best IP services on the market”, says Kristine Aarflot, who will continue as CEO of Bryn Aarflot after the merger.
– “The teams at Protector IP and Bryn Aarflot share both core values and methodical approach in these challenges. We are a perfect match”, says Petter Westnes, CEO of Protector IP.
The merger between Bryn Aarflot and Protector IP will formally take place on January 1, 2023. For our clients this means an even stronger professional environment and more people to contribute on existing and new cases.
If you have any questions regarding the merger or how this will affect you as a client, please reach out to your contact person or to our CEO, Kristine Aarflot.