Patent Office launches new IT solution in which all client correspondence and associated documentation is sent electronically. The solution, developed in partnership with Sirius IT, mean that the Patent Office, as one of the first government agencies in Norway, can offer a comprehensive, bi-directional self-service solution.

In recent years there has been a boost in ICT in public administration, and many government agencies are now available online and collected on Altinn. While there are many agencies that offer online application forms, most of these send the response and feedback with traditional mail. This is expensive, labor-intensive and not environmentally friendly.

Over 15,000 applications a year

Each year, the Patent Office receives over 15,000 applications for patents, trademarks and designs. Already in 2006, applications could be sent and recorded electronically via Altinn, but the answers were sent by post. The new two-way solution offers greater ease of use and increased security.

“One of our core values is accessibility, and in this context electronic channels and two-way communication is increasingly important. We are one of the first government agencies that offer a comprehensive, good and efficient electronic solution in the application and consideration process. Our solution helps the government ICT initiative of 24 hour self-service online management, primarily to free up resources”, said Lars Sæhle at the Patent Office.

“Public self-service solutions are becoming more widespread. Two-way solutions like the one the Patent Office is now implementing contributes to time and resource savings for both providers and users of the service", says sales and marketing director Vidar Evensen at Sirius IT.

Faster processing time and increased security

Using the new solution, Norwegian companies, designers, inventors who need to secure rights to their products, get the answer to their application electronically. In addition to a faster processing time, this will also greatly increase the security level, which is very important for many of the Patent Office customers.

“For us the new solution means very much, "says Anne Taucha, managing director of Oslo Patent Office AS, which has already adopted the two-way solution. “Security is increased by the fact that there is no doubt about which documents are received, and we save both time and money with less administration.”

About the Patent Office

The Patent Office helps Norwegian companies to strengthen their business through knowledge of the industrial rights. The main task is to process applications for patents, trademarks and design registrations. The client group consists of Norwegian and foreign businesses, research institutions, inventors and independent inventors/entrepreneurs.