The Icelandic Patent Office is responsible for issues related 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 or sector.
The Office provides private persons, institutions and commercial undertakings with information and consultancy services on matters pertaining to intellectual property rights in industry. Moreover, the patent 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 15th 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 Iceland is a member: