Global Entrepreneurs Week and One-Day IP Workshop for Startups in Albania

November 25, 2024

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP) of Albania, participated in the Global Entrepreneurship Week and organized a One-Day Intellectual Property (IP) Workshop for Startups on November 19, 2024, in Tirana, Albania.

This initiative is part of WIPO's commitment to empowering businesses and fostering innovation by providing access to essential IP tools and resources. Representing WIPO’s IP for Business Division (IPBD), Ms. Sarah Nassar, Associate Program Officer, delivered a presentation during the public conference, highlighting the pivotal role of IP as a driver of business success. The presentation also introduced WIPO’s suite of programs, materials, and tools designed to support businesses in managing and leveraging their IP assets effectively.

The collaboration between WIPO and GDIP reflects a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Albania. This event served as a platform for local startups to gain valuable insights, build IP awareness, and explore strategies to enhance their business competitiveness through effective IP management.

In her intervention, Ms. Sarah Nassar, Associate Program Officer, IP for Business Division (IPBD), expanded on the Albanian version of “Enterprising Ideas: A Guide to IP for Startups”, presenting it as a comprehensive resource designed to help startups at every stage of their journey. She stressed the need for startups to effectively integrate IP into their business strategies to minimize risks and maximize value creation.

Another key highlight of the event was the showcase of the WIPO IP Diagnostics Tool, which has also been translated into Albanian, enabling local businesses to evaluate their IP needs in their native language

In conjunction with the conference, IPBD organized a One-day IP workshop for startups. During the workshop, participants received tailored, one-on-one consultations with IP experts, focusing on strategies derived from WIPO’s IP Diagnostic Tool. This interactive discussion provided startups with practical guidance on patent filing, trademark protection, and trade secrets, while also introducing them to WIPO’s International Registration systems like the PCT and Madrid System, especially for those considering international expansion.

The workshop was greatly enriched by the expertise of Daniel Guçe, a SME development expert, and Elton Shametaj, a lawyer at Shametaj Law and Executive Director at SME Albania. Their insights were further complemented by the presence and support of GDIP staff.

The workshop was highly appreciated by participants, many of whom found the personalized support invaluable for shaping their IP strategies.

“Our primary focus was on understanding licensing deals and how we can leverage them for our products. The experts were very helpful, providing comprehensive and detailed information on intellectual property that is essential for our business.” Mr. Frajdi Zyla, founder of UNO Robotics.