Application success rate in Ireland: 5 year trend
Ireland’s trademark application success rate over the past five years averages at 68.06%, with slight fluctuations year by year. Here's a breakdown of the trend:
Applications filed in | Registered | Filed | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | 1,598 | 2,328 | 68.64% |
2020 | 1,557 | 2,405 | 64.74% |
2021 | 1,860 | 2,673 | 69.58% |
2022 | 1,423 | 2,038 | 68.82% |
2023 | 1,509 | 2,232 | 67.61% |
Total (average) | 7,947 | 11,676 | 68.06% |
Comparison to Major IP Offices
Ireland’s average success rate of 68.06% places it significantly lower compared to other major European IP offices such as that of UK (86.22%), France (88.85%), Italy (88.09%), and EU (90.80%) as a whole.
Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
Ireland | IPOI | 68.08% |
The United Kingdom | UKIPO | 86.22% |
France | INPI | 88.85% |
Italy | UIBM | 88.09% |
The European Union | EUIPO | 90.80% |
There are a couple of reasons to explain these differences:
A significant portion of applications in Ireland are filed by small domestic businesses and individuals who may not use legal representatives or perform proper pre-filing checks. According to WIPO and EUIPO data, applications filed without attorney guidance tend to have a statistically lower approval rate due to procedural or substantive deficiencies.
Less harmonized examination practice
Although Ireland is a member of the EU, its national office (IPOI) does not fully align with EUIPO’s Common Practice guidelines, particularly regarding distinctiveness for certain types of marks (e.g. slogans, shapes, and non-traditional marks). This divergence results in increased rejection rates for marks that might be accepted at EUIPO.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in Ireland
Given the relatively lower success rate of 68.06%, applicants should take extra care to enhance their chances. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.
Working with a qualified trademark lawyer is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances. A trademark lawyer can help navigate the complexities of the IPOI process, respond effectively to Office Actions, and build a solid filing strategy from the start.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
