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
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.