Intellectual Property

Strategic Intellectual Property Advice

Holmes advises businesses, third-level institutions and state bodies on all aspects of intellectual property law in Ireland. We provide clear, commercially focused advice across trademarks, patents, copyright, designs and trade secrets, supporting clients in protecting, enforcing and commercialising their IP assets.

Our intellectual property team works closely with founders, in-house legal teams, researchers and senior management to deliver pragmatic guidance that reflects commercial objectives, sector-specific risks and regulatory requirements.

Our Intellectual Property Expertise

We advise clients across the full lifecycle of intellectual property, from creation and protection through to commercialisation, enforcement and dispute resolution. Our core areas of expertise include:

• Trademarks and copyright

• Patents and designs

• Trade secrets and confidentiality

• Database rights and contractual IP protections

• Passing off and anti-counterfeiting

Where disputes arise, we work closely with our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team on infringement actions, passing-off claims and customs registrations in anti-counterfeiting matters.

A Commercial and Strategic Approach to IP

Our advice is grounded in commercial reality and practical risk management. We help clients protect and maximise the value of their intellectual property by integrating IP strategy with broader business objectives, including:

• Licensing and commercial exploitation agreements

• Technology transfer and research collaboration arrangements

• IP risk management and compliance strategies

This approach ensures intellectual property rights are not only protected, but actively contribute to innovation, growth and long-term value.

Recent Experience

Our recent intellectual property work includes:

• Advising a corporate client in a successful mediation with a third-level institution concerning IP rights under a technology transfer agreement, protecting patents and securing future exploitation opportunities

• Supporting clients on patent and copyright licensing agreements in the technology and education sectors

• Advising consumer brands on trademark infringement disputes and enforcement strategies

Integrated Intellectual Property Services

We provide a comprehensive range of intellectual property services, including:

• Trademarks and Copyright — registration, protection and enforcement across Ireland and the EU

• Patents and Designs — protection strategies, licensing and enforcement

• Trade Secrets — safeguarding confidential business information and enforcing rights

• Commercial Contracts — drafting and negotiating agreements to protect and exploit IP assets

• Advertising, Marketing and Promotions — regulatory compliance and brand protection

• Litigation and Disputes — representation in infringement, passing-off and anti-counterfeiting matters

Trusted Advisors on Intellectual Property

Holmes is a trusted advisor on intellectual property matters, combining technical IP expertise with a practical understanding of commercial, academic and public-sector environments. Our advice is clear, proportionate and aligned with how organisations innovate, collaborate and compete.

If you need advice on protecting, enforcing or commercialising intellectual property, speak with a member of our Intellectual Property team for a confidential discussion.