Funds-in-Trust of the Republic of Korea for Intellectual Property and Education
WIPO and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) share a common vision to promote the benefits of intellectual property (IP) for developing countries, least-developed countries (LDCs), and countries in transition. Working towards this goal, Funds-in-Trust Korea (FIT/Korea) provides robust support through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives, fuelling innovation and fostering a path toward sustainable development.
The government of Korea made its voluntary contribution to WIPO, which established the FIT Industrial Property in 2004 and IP Education in 2011. The total contribution amounts is approximately 14.8 Million CHF.
The funds at work
Nurturing Professionals for National IP Ecosystems
Fostering future IP leaders
Support for youth through capacity-building educational programs. These programs cover the various intersections of IP and focus on nurturing future IP leaders.
Enabling women in IP
Empowering women in IP, including scientists, through tailored programs. These programs are designed to enhance women’s understanding of IP while encouraging their use of the IP system.
- Leadership Course for Women Scientists offered with UNESCO
- Women Leaders in IP and Invention Program offered with KWIA
Helping SMEs
Self-study learning courses and videos to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and young professionals with IP skills and knowledge needed to use IP in their business.
Capacity Building for National Government
Enhancing IP policy expertise of governments
Holistic training opportunities for member states on IP. The hybrid and in-person courses provide examiners and policymakers with industry best practices for utilizing IP in economic and social development.
- Training courses for IP Examiners
- On-site activities for AI in the Philippines in April 2024
- IP Course for Industrial Development offered with UNIDO
- IP Finance Masterclass 2023
Sharing IP content for children
Educational IP content for children delivered through the well-known animated character ‘Pororo.’ These initiatives, which include animation and workbooks, provide interactive learning experiences to inspire the youth while exploring the importance of IP.
Strengthening the innovation and creativity of youth and teachers
Tailored training for teachers, education policymakers and national IP offices to amplify national capacities for innovation and creativity education. Such pioneering educational initiatives encourage the development of effective IP education in member states.
- National Invention and Creativity Education (NICE) Project
- IP Impact Certificate Course (IPCC) – IPCC overview, 2023 IPCC Albania and Romania
Promoting Innovation and Socio-Economic Development
Patent Information Utilization
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Bolstering businesses through the commercial use of IP
Technical assistance for the development of branding and IP strategies for SMEs. These projects empower developing countries to identify opportunities for using IP in the future and increase business competitiveness.
- Branding projects
- IP commercialization project in Thailand
Supporting IP research and IP dispute resolution
Aiding comprehensive research and development toolkits for various IP topics and technologies. These tools and knowledge help to promote the existing WIPO services and safeguard innovation.
- Block chain whitepaper
- Trade secrets guide
- The alternative dispute resolution (ADR) guide