Supporting Technology and Knowledge Transfer

Innovation plays an important role in driving economic growth and addressing socio-economic, social and environmental challenges. While innovation is not limited to the technology sector, technological advances greatly contribute to the global development and the improvement of the well-being of people.

WIPO supports mutually-beneficial technology transfer through patent information services, innovation support programs and tools, projects and activities by WIPO Committees, public-private partnerships and dispute resolution services. We also organize knowledge transfer-related activities, including capacity building and training on transfer of technology.

Patent information services

Patent information is widely used to stimulate research and development processes, facilitate licensing and technology transactions and analyze technology markets. It can also inform policy discussions and strategic business decisions. The following specialized databases, established and administered by WIPO, contain large volumes of patent information.

PATENTSCOPE

PATENTSCOPE supports technology transfer by facilitating access to technology contained in more than 47 million patent documents, including international patent applications submitted under the PCT.

Access to Research for Development & Innovation (ARDI)

ARDI is coordinated by WIPO together with its partners in the publishing industry with the aim of increasing the availability of scientific and technical information in developing countries.

Access to Specialized Patent Information (ASPI)

ASPI provides access to commercial patent databases to eligible patent offices and academic and research institutions in developing countries for free or at a reduced cost.

Innovation support programs and tools

Inventor Assistance Program (IAP)

The Inventor Assistance Program matches inventors with patent attorneys willing to give them free legal advice on how to file a patent to protect their inventions.

WIPO_TISC_600 — TISC discussion group. (Photo: Courtesy of OMPIC)

Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs)

The TISC program supports innovators in developing countries to exploit their innovative potential and to create, protect, and manage their intellectual property rights.

Patent Landscape Reports (PLRs)

PLRs provide a snap-shot of the patent situation of a specific technology, either within a given country or region, or globally. Our reports break down and analyze key information from patent searches for easier visualization and comprehension.

Projects and activities by WIPO Committees

Standing Commitee on the Law of Patents (SCP)

The role of the patent system and its effects on technology transfer are under continuous discussions in the SCP. SCP working documents and other materials inform and keep track of these discussions.

Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP)

The CDIP has held meetings, commissioned studies, established a web forum and produced other materials on technology transfer and open collaboration in the context of three Development Agenda projects.

Knowledge transfer programs and resources

WIPO assists its member states in creating an adequate intellectual property and knowledge transfer eco-system at the regional and national level. This is a necessary condition to develop high quality knowledge and provide an effective transfer and dissemination of knowledge to users for the benefit of the society. WIPO delivers extensive cooperation, capacity building and training programs to that end.

IP Policies for Universities

Taking discoveries from a lab to the marketplace is the central reason for universities and public research institutions to develop robust IP policies.

Training programs

WIPO Academy

Technology transfer and innovation management are subjects covered in the Academy's professional development, joint masters and summer school programs.

Technology licensing program

The technology and asset management program covers the creation, protection, management and exploitation of intellectual property assets.

Successful Technology Licensing

IP management training program

This program equips national trainers with the knowledge, skills and experience to be able to provide assistance to entrepreneurs on how to protect, use and manage IP assets.

Patent drafting program

This program combines lectures and practical drafting exercises to develop knowledge and skills in drafting patent claims and preparing / filing patent applications.

Patent Drafting Manual

Resources

Case studies

The case studies in the IP Advantage database offer insights into the successful commercialization, franchising and licensing of intellectual property by entrepreneurs, research institutes and co-operatives througout the world.

IP Panorama

This multimedia series was designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises utilize and manage intellectual property in their business strategy. There are modules on technology licensing, trademark licensing and franchising.

Publications

Several WIPO publications deal with technology transfer, licensing and intellectual property valuation matters.

Multi-stakeholder platforms

WIPO, in cooperation with a range of stakeholders, has developed platforms that support partnership building and collaborations between technology holders and technology users in order to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and the transfer and diffusion of technologies.

WIPO GREEN

WIPO GREEN is an interactive marketplace that promotes innovation and diffusion of green technologies. The WIPO GREEN database assembles in one place technologies at all stages of development which are available for license. The WIPO GREEN network facilitates commercial relationships and transactions and acts as a gateway to a range of useful services, e.g. in support of matchmaking.

WIPO Re:Search

WIPO Re:Search catalyzes the development of medical products for neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and tuberculosis through innovative research partnerships and sharing of intellectual property, resources, know-how and knowledge which are available via the WIPO Re:Search Database. The WIPO Re:Search Supporting Services act as a gateway to a range of development-related tools, including training in IP management.

Dispute resolution services

The transfer of technology involves various contracts and transactions which can give rise to complex legal, commercial or management issues, often including related IP rights. Efficient dispute avoidance and resolution practices are key in such complex situations. The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center provides dispute resolution advice and case administration services to help parties resolve disputes arising in the area of research and development and technology transfer, without the need for court litigation.