News and current topics from various practice areas and industries

The establishment of data centers is a highly debated topic among policymakers, municipalities, and industry stakeholders in Norway. The recent judgment from the Court of Appeal (LB-2024-139780), which addressed the interpretation of Hadsel Municipality’s zoning plan, has brought new legal questions to the forefront.

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) has clarified that there will be an in-creased focus on systematic HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) management and the safeguarding of wage and working conditions in the coming years. This means that all businesses should expect more frequent inspections, additional guidance measures, and stricter sanctions for regulation breaches.

We are proud to welcome Managing Associate Sarah Marie Didriksen to our Real Estate and Construction Law practice area. Sarah’s appointment further enhances our expertise in real estate law, particularly in the field of planning and building law.

The Ministry of Climate and Environment has proposed amendments to the Marka Act (Markaloven), which governs the forested and hilly areas—collectively known as “Marka”—surrounding Oslo and its neighboring municipalities. These areas, often referred to simply as “Marka,” are vital for outdoor recreation, biodiversity, and as a natural buffer for the capital region. After more than 13 years with the Marka Act, which applies exclusively to these protected zones, we support the Ministry’s initiative to make necessary adjustments that will ensure the law remains clear, effective, and user-friendly while upholding its original purpose.

Many family-owned enterprises hold significant value in commercial real estate. These may be properties that have been in the family for generations or have been developed by the most recent generation. At some point, the owner must consider whether the business should be transferred to the next generation or realized through a sale.

The Norwegian government has recently published a consultation proposal for new national planning guidelines on land use and mobility, sparking debate about a potential ban on cabin (vacation home) development in vulnerable natural areas.

Many developers have experienced that it is rare for a building permit application to be considered complete on the first submission. The prevailing practice is that the municipality’s initial response is a deficiency notice listing minor or major shortcomings in the application.

So-called “greenwashing” has been a focus area for the Norwegian Consumer Authority (Forbrukertilsynet) in recent years. Now, the Consumer Authority, together with 19 other consumer protection agencies, has signed an open letter to the clothing industry, warning against the use of vague and unsubstantiated environmental claims and providing concrete guidance for marketing practices. These recommendations are also relevant for other industries.

On April 23 this year, the European Commission issued its first infringement fines to Apple and Meta, amounting to €500 million and €200 million respectively, for breaches of the EU’s new Digital Markets Act (“DMA”). The DMA aims to limit the market power of major digital platform providers designated as gatekeepers.