Intellectual property (IP) refers to the creations of the mind, such as inventions (patents); literary and artistic works (copyright); new product designs (industrial designs); and brand-names, symbols, or logos used to distinguish products and services from one undertaking from another (trade marks).
IP is a powerful tool for individuals and enterprises to help control their property rights. Ireland has in place a strong legal framework and intellectual property system that offers IP right holders the opportunity to be rewarded for their creativity and innovation and enabling society at large and the economy to benefit from their achievements.
Formal IP rights include patents, trade marks and industrial designs so called because they can be registered. Copyright is a different type of intellectual property relating to creations of the mind and is seen in everyday life in creative works such as books, films, music, art and software, as well as in more mundane objects such as cars, computers and medicines. Other types of informal IP rights include plant variety rights, geographical indications of origin, trade secrets and topographies of integrated circuits. For further information please see other IP rights.
The Intellectual Property Unit of the department is responsible for Ireland’s policy and legislation on IP that reflects developments in intellectual property policy and practice domestically, at EU level and in terms of international obligations to which Ireland is committed through various international agreements.
The Intellectual Property Office of Ireland is responsible for the granting of patents, the registration of industrial designs and trade marks, and has certain functions in relation to copyright and related rights.
Featured news
WIPO Global Awards for innovative and creative businesses that turn IP into real-world value: open for startups and SMEs
January 2026
Whether you protect your brand with trademarks, copyright your creative works or hold patents on inventions, this is your chance to be recognized on a global stage.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the UN agency for Innovation and Creativity, has opened applications for the WIPO Global Awards 2026, a competition celebrating startups and SMEs that use intellectual property (IP) to grow their business and generate positive impact.
Entrepreneurs from all industries and all regions of the world can apply between 15 January and 31 March 2026.
Why apply:
- gain international recognition through the WIPO-UN network system
- access a customized 6-month mentorship on IP strategy, commercialization and business growth
- connect with investors, corporates, institutions and business hubs worldwide
- attend the Awards Ceremony in Geneva during the WIPO Assemblies (194 countries represented)
In 2026, 11 companies will be selected: 10 winners across all economic sectors, 1 Thematic Prize in Sports and 2 Special Mentions (Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Youth Entrepreneur).
To learn more or apply, visit WIPO Global Awards or contact WIPO at global.awards@wipo.int.
Call for expression of interest for a list of vendors to provide independent and on-hand expertise on specialised services in the field of IP rights
April 2025
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has issued a call for expression of interest to compile a list of vendors to provide independent and on-hand expertise on specialised services in the field of intellectual property (IP) rights.
If you are interested in taking part in this call, visit the EU Funding and Tenders portal at Call for expression of interest for a list of vendors.