IP & Technology

IP & Technology

MKO Partners has extensive experience in assisting companies based in the technology sector and/or who are basing their Intellectual Property (“IP”) rights in Ireland in sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceutical and digital and IP licensing. 

Where a company is locating IP in Ireland, MKO Partners can assist with the entire setup process both directly and through working with our network of contacts. Our services include:

  • Identifying potential legal representatives to assist with issues such as registration and management of intangible assets, drafting of legal documents such as licence agreements;
  • Tax advice regarding obtaining Irish corporate tax residence and Irish trading status for IP;
  • Maximising tax reliefs on trading activities (allowances on acquisition or development of intangible assets, R&D tax credits etc.);
  • Payroll related advises including taxation of directors, exclusion orders for non-resident non-directors and tax issues for non-resident staff including migrant worker relief, overseas pension provisions;
  • Assisting with residency permit requirements for non-EU nationals; 
  • Provision of outsourced book keeping services;  and
  • Assisting with practical matters such as opening bank accounts, meeting suitable Irish resident directors, identifying potential office premises, recruiting initial staff and making connections.

The clients/markets we serve

Basing IP in Ireland

Many companies who establish operations in Ireland to serve local, European and international markets, leveraging their IP and Ireland’s advantages as a gateway to these markets. These advantages include:

  • A low corporate tax rate - corporation tax on trading profits is 12.5% and an effective rate of tax to 2.5% following amortisation of intangible assets;
  • Extensive network of double taxation agreements;
  • A common law jurisdiction, similar in nature to that of the US and the UK;
  • Availability of  fiscal incentives for research and development activity; and
  • Supportive legal and economic environment for internationally trading businesses.

Our track record

The Firm has established itself as advisers to companies in the technology, literary and manufacturing sectors on establishing IP licencing activities in Ireland.

Reflecting our focus in this area Alastair Mac Donald was invited to join the government's International Content Services Centre ("ICSC") taskforce set up by Minister Eamonn Ryan as part of his policy of technology actions to support the knowledge economy.

MKO Partners has also been appointed as advisors to the founders of the International Digital Services Centre (IDSC). The IDSC is a Dublin based cluster of international digital content and related service companies. The IDSC provides aggregated professional services and infrastructure to the enterprises based in the cluster.

Contact

Please contact Frank Keane, Partner, or Cormac Doyle, Director for further information.