Patent Agent

This information may be of assistance to Irish/EU Patent Agents based in Ireland, who are seeking information on the administrative procedures involved in registration.

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.

Registration procedures for Patent Agents in Ireland

Applications for registration in the Register have to be made in writing to the Controller, Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny and must be accompanied by the prescribed application fee of €50.

A form of Application indicating the particulars required to be furnished upon application is available here; Application Form for Registration as a Patent Agent

Applications for registration are considered by a Board, comprising persons nominated by the Minister and of which the Controller, Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, is Chairman.

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 Patent Agent in Ireland

If you are a Patent Agent established in another EU country and intending to provide services in Ireland, general information on requirements can be found on the Irish Point of Single Contact page, Providing cross border services as a Patent Agent.

Response time frame by the Irish Patents Office

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 applicable

Patents Act 1992 Section 105-109
Register of Patent Agent Rules 2015

Patent Rules 1992 (as amended) R 79-81

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.