Intellectual property

The Icelandic Patent Office is responsible for
issues relating to patents, trademarks, design
protection, municipal emblems and other
comparable rights as provided for by law,
regulations and international agreements on the
protection of intellectual property rights in the
field of industry. The Office is under obligation
to provide private persons, institutions and
commercial undertakings with information and
consultancy services on matters pertaining to
intellectual property rights in industry. Moreover,
the Office is under obligation to ensure that information
on new technology and knowledge protected by intellectual
property laws is made available to the public.

The Patent Gazette (”ELS-tíðindi”), issued monthly by the Icelandic Patent
Office, publishes advertisements and announcements relating to applications
and registrations in the field of patents, trademarks, municipal emblems and
design. The Gazette is published in electronic format and appears on the 15^th
of each month on the Office's website. A printed version can also be purchased.

Intellectual property rights and the protection of intellectual property is substantially dependent on international co-operation. Iceland is party to a number of international agreements in this field. The principal international bodies in the field of intellectual property rights of which Icleland is a member:

• World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)  
• The European Patent Office (EPO)  
• The Nordic Patent Institute (NPI)

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