IPOI and EPO sign search cooperation agreement to provide high-quality patent support to Irish innovators

Recently, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Irish Intellectual Property Office (IPOI) signed a search cooperation working agreement. From July 1, 2025, the EPO will provide search services for patent applications in Ireland and issue written opinions. The initiative aims to support Irish innovators, especially small businesses, universities and individual inventors, by improving access to high-quality patent searches and providing an 80% fee reduction for micro entities.

Ireland is the 19th Contracting State with which EPOrg currently has a search cooperation working agreement.