--- title: "Senator Byrne: 'Yes' vote in upcoming referendum critical given IP's role in our economy" description: Fianna Fail Unitary Patent Court Referendum IP Intellectual Property Local Election European Election Malcolm Byrne Multinational image: https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/PRGraphics12-2.jpg --- [ Join ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/join-fianna-fail) [ Donate Now ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/donate-now) Search website: ** Search # Senator Byrne: 'Yes' vote in upcoming referendum critical given IP's role in our economy Published on: 23 January 2024 Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Innovation and Science, Malcolm Byrne, has welcomed confirmation that the referendum on Ireland’s membership of the EU’s Unitary Patent Court system will take place on the same date as the Local and European Elections in June.  Ireland is a signatory to the agreement for the Unitary Patent Court system but has not yet ratified membership. The Court has commenced its work and 17 of the 27 EU Member States have already signed up.  Senator Byrne said: “I have previously called for the referendum on our membership of the Unitary Patent Court to take place on the same date as the Local and European elections, so I am glad that it was confirmed to me in the Seanad today.  “The importance of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum should not be understated. Intellectual property (IP) plays a key role in our economy, not only for Irish inventors, content creators and business but also for many multinationals who see Ireland as a perfect entry point to the EU.   “As it stands, an Irish patent is only valid in Ireland. With a ‘Yes’ vote, an Irish patent will be valid across the 17 of the 27 EU Member states that have to date signed up. This makes Ireland much more accessible as we will be able to offer a single, harmonised IP system which has less red tape, offers lower costs, with no need for companies, investors or content creators deal with multiple national courts to enforce patent rights across Europe.”  **-ENDS-  ** --- ## **Related news:** [![Deimhnithe ag Fianna Fáil go bhfuil Cynthia Ní Mhurchú curtha leis an ticéad do Thoghcheantar Éire Theas i dToghcháin Pharlaimint na hEorpa](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/34-1.png)](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-confirms-addition-of-cynthia-ní-mhurchú-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-parliament-ireland-south-constituency-1) March 7, 2024 --- ##### [Deimhnithe ag Fianna Fáil go bhfuil Cynthia Ní Mhurchú curtha leis an ticéad do Thoghcheantar Éire Theas i dToghcháin Pharlaimint na hEorpa](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-confirms-addition-of-cynthia-ní-mhurchú-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-parliament-ireland-south-constituency-1) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-confirms-addition-of-cynthia-ní-mhurchú-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-parliament-ireland-south-constituency-1) [![Fianna Fáil confirms addition of Cynthia Ní Mhurchú to the ticket for the European Parliament Ireland South Constituency](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/34.png)](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-confirms-addition-of-cynthia-ní-mhurchú-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-parliament-ireland-south-constituency) March 7, 2024 --- ##### [Fianna Fáil confirms addition of Cynthia Ní Mhurchú to the ticket for the European Parliament Ireland South Constituency](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-confirms-addition-of-cynthia-ní-mhurchú-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-parliament-ireland-south-constituency) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-confirms-addition-of-cynthia-ní-mhurchú-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-parliament-ireland-south-constituency) [![Fianna Fáil National Constituencies Committee confirms the additions of Senators Niall Blaney & Lisa Chambers to the ticket for the European Midlands North West Constituency](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/Press_Release_Generic.png)](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-national-constituencies-committee-confirms-the-additions-of-senators-niall-blaney-lisa-chambers-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-midlands-north-we-1709222871368) February 29, 2024 --- ##### [Fianna Fáil National Constituencies Committee confirms the additions of Senators Niall Blaney & Lisa Chambers to the ticket for the European Midlands North West Constituency](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-national-constituencies-committee-confirms-the-additions-of-senators-niall-blaney-lisa-chambers-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-midlands-north-we-1709222871368) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/fianna-fáil-national-constituencies-committee-confirms-the-additions-of-senators-niall-blaney-lisa-chambers-to-the-ticket-for-the-european-midlands-north-we-1709222871368) [![Europe’s Values Must Be the Foundation for its Strategic Autonomy](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/superdraw/Micheal%20Martin%20image.png)](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/europes-values-must-be-the-foundation-for-its-strategic-autonomy) January 10, 2023 --- ##### [Europe’s Values Must Be the Foundation for its Strategic Autonomy](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/europes-values-must-be-the-foundation-for-its-strategic-autonomy) [![](https://www.fiannafail.ie/hubfs/fianna-theme/icons/arrow-next.svg) ](https://www.fiannafail.ie/news/europes-values-must-be-the-foundation-for-its-strategic-autonomy)