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
October 2024
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs (DG GROW) has commissioned a study to support the intermediate report on the Trade Secrets Directive (TSD), pursuant to Article 18(2).
The study, led by the London School of Economics and CSIL Milan, aims to assess the practical application and impact of the TSD, including its effects on research, innovation, employee mobility, and freedom of expression.
To gather insights on these matters, SMEs, research institutions and larger companies are invited to complete and share a survey. The survey takes 15 minutes and responses can be amended.
Take the survey now
Please access and complete the survey by 1 November 2024.