IP & IT law services
Protecting your innovation and digital assets in today's fast-paced economy
Our approach to IP & IT law
We take a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to intellectual property and digital law. Our goal is to provide proactive protection for your innovations while navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Proactive protection
We focus on preventative strategies to secure your intellectual property and digital assets before issues arise.
Future-focused guidance
Our advice accounts for emerging technologies and evolving regulations to ensure long-term protection.
Comprehensive coverage
We address all aspects of IP and IT law, from trademarks and copyright to cybersecurity and GDPR compliance.
Our IP & IT services
Comprehensive legal support for all aspects of intellectual property and digital law
Trademark registration & protection
Securing brand names, logos, and slogans through Irish, EU, and international trademark registration to protect your brand identity.
Copyright & design rights
Protecting creative works, digital content, software, and artistic designs from unauthorized use or reproduction.
Software & technology contracts
Drafting and reviewing SaaS agreements, software development contracts, and IT service agreements for maximum protection.
E-commerce compliance
Ensuring website terms & conditions, consumer rights protection, and legal compliance for online businesses.
Data protection & GDPR
Comprehensive guidance on personal data handling, privacy policies, and cybersecurity measures to maintain compliance.
Cybersecurity legal support
Advising on cybersecurity best practices, data breach response protocols, and digital risk management strategies.
Expert IP & IT support
Our dedicated team provides specialised guidance to protect your valuable intellectual property and digital assets.
Technical understanding
Our team combines legal expertise with technical knowledge of digital technologies and platforms.
Forward-thinking approach
We stay ahead of emerging technologies and evolving legal frameworks to provide future-proof protection.
International perspective
We understand global IP protection and can secure your rights across multiple jurisdictions.
Strategic guidance
We align IP protection with your business goals, focusing on assets that deliver the most commercial value.
Preventative focus
We emphasise proactive strategies to avoid costly disputes and litigation before they occur.
Rapid response
When infringements or data breaches occur, we provide swift, decisive action to mitigate damage.
What our clients say
“Would highly recommend the team from Coyne Solicitors. Very professional and helpful with anything asked of them.”
Dean Shallow
“Very professional and excellent service! Thanks again for your help!”
Elena Mihaila
“Great service and advice. Would recommend to others.”
Scott Peoples
What types of intellectual property can you protect?
We protect trademarks, copyrights, design rights, and provide guidance on patents and trade secrets.
How long does trademark registration take?
Trademark registration typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the complexity and any objections raised.
Do you help with GDPR compliance?
Yes, we provide comprehensive GDPR compliance support including privacy policies and data protection strategies.
Can you draft software development contracts?
Absolutely. We draft and review all types of IT contracts including software development, SaaS, and licensing agreements.
What should I do if someone infringes my trademark?
Contact us immediately. We can assess the infringement and take appropriate action to protect your rights.
Do you help with website terms and conditions?
Yes, we draft comprehensive website terms, privacy policies, and e-commerce legal documentation.
What our clients say
“Would highly recommend the team from Coyne Solicitors. Very professional and helpful with anything asked of them.”
Dean Shallow
“Very professional and excellent service! Thanks again for your help!”
Elena Mihaila
“Great service and advice. Would recommend to others.”
Scott Peoples
What intellectual property rights should my business protect?
Businesses should consider protecting trademarks (brand names, logos), copyrights (creative works, software), design rights (product appearance), patents (inventions), and trade secrets (confidential business information). The specific rights to protect depend on your business model, industry, and growth strategy.
How long does trademark registration take in Ireland?
Trademark registration in Ireland typically takes 5-7 months if there are no objections or oppositions. The process includes examination, publication for opposition, and final registration. EU trademarks through the EUIPO can take a similar timeframe.
Do I need to register my copyright in Ireland?
No, copyright protection in Ireland is automatic upon creation of an original work. However, registering with the Irish Copyright and Related Rights Register provides valuable evidence of ownership and can be important if infringement occurs. We recommend documenting creation dates and maintaining robust records.
What are the GDPR requirements for my website?
Under GDPR, websites must include a comprehensive privacy policy, obtain clear consent for cookies and data collection, implement data security measures, provide data access and deletion mechanisms, and ensure transparent data processing practices. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties.
How can I protect my business from cybersecurity legal risks?
Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity policy, conduct regular risk assessments, maintain data breach response plans, train employees on security protocols, ensure vendor compliance through contracts, maintain appropriate insurance coverage, and regularly update security measures to align with evolving threats and regulations.
What should I include in a software development contract?
Key elements include clear project scope and deliverables, ownership of intellectual property, acceptance criteria, payment terms, warranties and indemnities, confidentiality provisions, maintenance and support obligations, limitation of liability, termination conditions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
What is the difference between a trademark, copyright, and patent?
Trademarks protect brand identifiers (names, logos, slogans), copyrights protect original creative works (text, art, music, software), and patents protect inventions and technological innovations. Each offers different protection duration, registration requirements, and enforcement mechanisms.
How do I respond to a data breach under GDPR?
Upon discovering a breach, you must document it internally, notify the Data Protection Commission within 72 hours if it risks individuals' rights, notify affected individuals without undue delay if high-risk, implement containment measures, identify the cause, and review and strengthen security practices to prevent recurrence.
Can I use someone else's trademark in my advertising?
Using another's trademark without permission can constitute infringement. However, limited use may be permitted for comparative advertising, descriptive purposes, or non-commercial commentary under certain conditions. Each case depends on specific context and potential for consumer confusion.
How can a solicitor help with domain name disputes?
A solicitor can assist by assessing your legal position, negotiating with the other party, representing you in Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) proceedings, or litigating in court when appropriate. We help recover domains registered in bad faith or that infringe trademark rights.