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
European Commission public consultation on the Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List
June 2026
The European Commission has launched a targeted consultation for the Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List.
The aim of the consultation is to identify online service providers and physical marketplaces located outside the European Union that are reported to engage in, facilitate or benefit from substantial infringements of intellectual property rights (IPRs), and in particular piracy and counterfeiting.
Stakeholders are asked to submit written contributions to the Commission identifying online services and physical marketplaces for inclusion in the updated Counterfeit and Piracy Watchlist which is planned to be published in 2027.
For more information and to make a submission, visit Public consultation on the Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List.
Submissions can be made until 11 September 2026.
European Commission public consultation on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries
June 2026
DG Trade has launched a targeted consultation to gather information on the state of intellectual property protection and enforcement in third countries.
The main objective of this consultation is to identify third countries in which the state of intellectual property rights protection and enforcement gives rise to the highest level of concern and to update the list of the so-called 'priority countries'. The targeted consultation will be one of the tools used to help improve the IPR systems in third countries. It will help the European Commission focus its efforts and resources on the priority countries and on the specific areas of concern, with the aim of improving IPR protection and enforcement worldwide.
For more information and to contribute, visit Targeted consultation on the state of intellectual property in third countries.
The deadline for responses is 11 September 2026.
World Intellectual Property Day – 26 April 2026
April 2026
World Intellectual Property Day 2026 is a unique opportunity to recognise the contributions made by inventors and creators around the world and to celebrate how creativity and innovation, backed by IP rights, keep the world of sports thriving, dynamic and accessible for everyone, everywhere.
This year’s World IP Day theme is IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.
City of Innovation – a new WIPO award to recognise cities that pledge to champion innovation and creativity
April 2026
The World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) has opened applications to cities that pledge to:
- recognise that innovation ecosystems are unique and specific to each city context
- encourage city leaders to formulate visions and initiatives specific to the city which create nurturing environments for local innovation and creativity
- amplify the impact of city initiatives that bring together communities, industry and government creating synergies to harness innovation
To learn more about this new award initiative, application and selection process, visit WIPO City of Innovation.
Closing date for completed applications is 30 June 2026.
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.