March 4, 2026
The ruling reinforces the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the global energy services industry
The Oslo District Court unanimously ruled that Slb has infringed two patents held by Welltec. The court has ordered Slb to immediately cease use of the patented technologies, with effect even if the judgment is appealed.
The ruling reinforces the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the global energy services industry.
“We are satisfied with the court’s decision. Welltec believes it sends a clear message that infringement of patent rights is both unlawful and detrimental to technology companies' ability to compete,” said Tommy Eikeland, Chief Commercial Officer of Welltec. He says this has been David’s fight against Goliath.
Under the judgment, Slb has been ordered to pay approximately NOK 10 million in legal costs and NOK 2 million in damages.
“These patents represent substantial investments of time and resources. The purpose of patent protection is to safeguard innovation and ensure that proprietary technology is respected,” Eikeland added.
During the proceedings, Slb argued that Welltec’s patents were invalid and sought up to NOK 5 million in compensation, alleging that Welltec had acted improperly by notifying Equinor and Aker BP of the alleged infringement.
However, the court concluded that Welltec’s contact with Equinor ASA and Aker BP ASA did not constitute a breach of good business practice.
One of the patents concerns a combined drilling and cleaning tool, while the other relates to pipe-cutting technology used in wellbores. Welltec identified 18 maintenance contracts in which Slb used the patented technologies. These contracts generated net revenues of approximately NOK 43 million.
Welltec was represented by Legal Councel, Ida Gjessing, in the lawsuit.
About Welltec
Welltec® is a global technology company committed to optimizing energy for the future. Since our beginning in 1994, we’ve pioneered innovative solutions for oil and gas operators, rapidly expanding to become a leader in high-tech completion, intervention, and new energy solutions.
As the energy industry evolves, so does Welltec. Our solutions address the critical demands of today’s industry by focusing on three core areas: maximizing reservoir contact with advanced completion technologies; optimizing recovery through fast, efficient, lightweight intervention services; and minimizing environmental impact via sustainable energy solutions, including geothermal energy, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
With over 30 years of experience, Welltec and its partners are driving efficiency, operational excellence, and innovations that deliver lasting impact in energy.