Beginner Applicant Page

Welcome to our dedicated beginner applicant page

1.   One important task to do before you even think of writing your specification is to ensure that it is new.  This means it must never have been made public in any way, anywhere in the world. 

Firstly, you should do an internet search.  If you don’t find your idea you should then also look in databases of published patents, for example:

The Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI) database: IPOI Patent Database Search

A world wide database: Espacenet – patent search

2.   Once you are happy to proceed, the next step is to compile your patent specification documents [Description, Claims, Drawings, Abstract]. 

This can be done by:
reading the Patent Application Guide and writing the documents yourself
or
using our new Interactive tool for preparing patent documents.  This tool will provide step by step guidance as to what exactly should go into your specification, where it should go and what it should look like.  It will generate both Microsoft Word and Abode PDF versions of the four documents [Description, Claims, Drawings, Abstract] allowing you to file at your leisure. 

3.   Once you are happy with the generated documents [Description, Claims, Drawings, Abstract] you can now file them with the Office.  There are two possible ways to do this:

Online.  A quick, simple way to submit your patent specification [Description, Claims, Drawings, Abstract] is to use our new Patent Online Filing System.  This will provide a guided series of screens allowing you to enter all necessary information and attach your documents in one quick easy session.

By Paper.  To file a printed off version of your patent specification [Description, Claims, Drawings, Abstract] you must fill out a Patent Application Form. 

Read the guide to completing the paper patent application formand see a sample “filled-in” version.

4.   Once the application has been filed, received by the Office and successfully accepted as a valid application you will receive a “Filing Receipt”.  This will provide an acknowledgement that the Office has successfully received your application and the wheels are now in motion to prepare for examination.

5.   Your application can now be labelled as “Patent Pending”. 

6.   You will be contacted by the Office via the email address provided should examination (formalities or substantive) reveal any difficulties with your application.  

7.   Please be patient – A short term (10 year) patent application can take up to 12 months to be examined completely.  A full term (20 year) patent application can take longer. 

8.   If there are any concerns relating to your application, please contact the Office at 056 7720111 or ipinfo@ipoi.gov.ie