Intellectual Property
Ideas, technology and creative assets define a business and drive its competitive advantage.
When properly identified and protected, those assets become Intellectual Property rights that can be commercialised and defended. IP advice, including trademarks, designs and copyright, have been an important component of Matheson’s offering for decades, and especially so with the growth of technology, pharmaceutical, food and beverage and other innovation-led industries in Ireland.
Matheson’s partner-led multidisciplinary team comprises IP lawyers and trade mark attorneys, working seamlessly with corporate, tax, competition and regulatory specialists.
Operating from the European Union’s only English-speaking common law jurisdiction, we are uniquely positioned to advise domestic and international clients on the protection, commercialisation and enforcement of their intellectual property rights.
“Matheson’s IP practice stands out for the calibre of its lawyers – smart, responsive and highly skilled at solving complex, high-stakes problems”
Legal 500 – Intellectual Property 2025
Experience Highlights
Our team has recently advised:
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Ireland’s strategic investment fund on the IP aspects of its investment in a quantum semiconductor company;
- a multinational technology company on IP issues arising in connection with its streaming services;
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a data centre solution provider on the IP aspects arising from its acquisition;
- a financial services provider on mobile and app development contracts, involving complex intellectual property ownership and licensing rights;
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Ireland’s national postal service provider on trade mark and branding strategies;
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a games developer on IP rights and contracts with a number of gaming publishers;
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on strategic IP due diligence investigations and advising on IP issues in the context of mergers, takeovers, new ventures and investments in the insurance and cable / satellite television sectors and internet-based software sectors; and
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a multi-national medtech company on the transfer of IP within its group structure as part of an overall group restructuring.
Our team has recently advised:
- various multinationals on the Irish tax treatment of reorganisations involving the on-shoring of IP rights into Ireland;
- a multinational technology group on an Irish tax appeal in relation to the pricing of an IP licensing transaction;
- various multinationals on advance pricing agreements between the Irish competent authority and foreign tax authorities to agree transfer pricing for a wide range of IP transactions including IP transfers, cost-sharing and licensing arrangements; and
- a technology company on the Irish tax treatment of a reorganisation of its global IP from a centrally owned structure to a more decentralised model with a number of different IP owning entities.
Our team has recently advised:
- a sports retailer on initiating High Court proceedings against a competitor involving competition law and IP issues regarding a non-compete restriction; and
- a global technology company on defending a High Court action involving a complex mix of IP and competition law issues.
Matheson’s IP Group also sets itself apart through its future-looking outlook. Our team members ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest developments not only within the IP legal sector, but also within client industries themselves.
Our lawyers are involved with the global Intellectual Property legal community through our activity with INTA; IBA; AIPPI; LESI; MARQUES; ChIPs; PTMG and ECTA.
