Norway

The Constitution of Norway was adopted on May 16, 1814 and is the second oldest written Constitution in the world. Since its adoption, the Constitution has undergone many significant revisions, with the most recent amendments in 2010.

The Constitution was founded on the people, the separation of powers, and human rights. It establishes three branches of government: The Norwegian Parliament, known as the Storting, with the legislative, budgetary and supervisory power; the King in Council with the executive power; and the judicial power lying with the courts.

The Constitution does not contain specific provision concerning the protection of intellectual property rights related to copyrights, trademarks, patents and other industrial property rights. However, it provides for the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions of the Sami, the indigenous people of Norway under Article 110a, which reads: "It is the resposibility of the countries of the State to create the conditions enabling the Sami people to develop its language, culture and way of life". Furthermore, Article 105 of the Constitution provides for the protection of property rights through the public use and compensation requirements.