A patent confers upon its holder, for a limited period, the right to exclude others from exploiting (making, using, selling, importing) the patented invention, except with the consent of the owner of the patent.

Irish patents, in common with most jurisdictions, have a maximum life span of twenty years. Ireland also offers a “short-term” patent, valid for a maximum of ten years. To maintain a patent in force, annual renewal fees must be paid each year from the third year.

A supplementary protection certificate (SPC) may be obtained in relation to individual medicinal and plant protection products disclosed in a patent. The certificate extends the protection conferred by the patent beyond its 20-year term for a period of up to five years.