Trade Mark Agent
Competent Authority
The Intellectual Property Office of Ireland is the official Irish government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright. (Including Trade Mark Agents)
Registration process for Trade Mark Agents in Ireland
1. Eligibility
A person who resides in the EEA and has a place of business in the EEA; possesses the prescribed educational and professional qualifications; and complies with the prescribed conditions is eligible for registration in the register.
An application for registration must be made to the Controller, Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny, accompanied by the prescribed application fee - currently €50.
Rule 51 of the Trade Marks Rules, 1996 as amended by the Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules 2016, specifies the particulars which an application for registration must give. These are summarised in the Form of Application for Registration.
2. Educational/Professional Qualifications
Applications for registration in the register are considered by a Board appointed by the Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation.
The Trade Marks Rules, 1996 do not prescribe any specific educational/professional qualifications, but Rule 51(4) states that a person shall possess such educational and professional qualifications, and be of such personal character, as to satisfy the Board, after such enquiries including such oral or written examination in the Law and Practice of Trade Marks, as the Board deems necessary, that such a person is fit to practice as a registered trade mark agent.
It is a normal requirement of the Board that applicants must sit, and pass, a written examination in the Law and Practice of Trade Marks. The frequency of such written examinations is determined largely by the number of applicants seeking registration at any particular time. There is usually one examination per year. The date on which it is held is announced in advance in the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland Journal.
Information on the Trade Mark Agent exam and related fees
Completing registration procedures online
The Intellectual Property Office of Ireland will accept notifications and accompanying evidentiary documents which are sent by means of post or e-mail. Communication by Email is preferred and will allow quicker completion of all formalities.
Notifications and attachments in pdf format should be sent to the following Email address: regadmin@ipoi.gov.ie
Providing cross border services as a Trade Mark Agent in Ireland
For Trade Mark Agents established in another EU country and intending to provide services in Ireland please see the link below.
Providing cross border services as a Trade Mark Agent in Ireland
Response time frames
Enquiries from EC based agents will be acknowledged within 2 working days of receipt and the acknowledgement will include information on the procedures to be followed and the documentation to be submitted.
Within 3 working days of receipt of a notification accompanied by all the correct documentation, the agent will be sent confirmation that he or she may act before the Controller.
Within 3 working days of receipt of a notification accompanied by incomplete or incorrect documentation, the agent will be sent a request to furnish additional documentation.
Within 3 working days of receipt of all the correct documentation in respect of a previously incomplete notification, the agent will be sent confirmation that he or she may act before the Controller.
Relevant legislation
Trade Mark (Amendments) Rules 2007 ( S.I. No. 621 OF 2007)
Contact details
Intellectual Property Office of Ireland,
Government Offices,
Hebron Road,
Kilkenny,
R95 H4XC
+353 56 772 0111
ipinfo@ipoi.gov.ie
The above is for general information purposes only. All further queries regarding this information should be directed to The Intellectual Property Office of Ireland.