Office Closure to the Public- Disruption arising from public health concerns and COVID 19

Patents Rules 1992 - Rule 77 and Rule 78 

Office Closed from 13 March 2020 to 29 March 2020

Disruption arising from public health concerns and COVID 19

In accordance with Rules 77 and 78 of the Patents Rules 1992 the Controller hereby gives notice that as and from Friday 13 March 2020 until Sunday 29 March 2020 inclusive, the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland will not be open for the transaction business with the public.  Consequently, these days are deemed to be "excluded days" for all purposes under the Acts and Rules.

Rule 78 provides that whenever the last day fixed by the Act, or by these Rules, for doing any act or thing at the Office falls on any of the days on which the Office is not open to the public (which days shall be excluded days for the purposes of the Act and these Rules), it shall be lawful to do any such act or thing on the first day which is not an excluded day next following such excluded day, or days, if two or more of them occur consecutively.

The Office will continue to maintain all of its online and e-services, including e-filing of applications, electronic fee payments and enquiries by telephone and email during normal opening hours