IP Management Clinic for SMEs Program

The Intellectual Property Management Clinic for SMEs Program (IPMC) is a four-month program that supports innovative companies in formulating their IP strategies based on their business plan and intangible assets portfolio.

The program focuses on the IP-related aspects of the companies' product or technology across its business cycle, both from the perspective of an IP rights holder and of a user of third parties’ IPRs. The selected companies receive support to better manage and use their IP through personalized, one-on-one mentorship, expert advice and training.

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an image showing innovation development journey from A to B as a strategic process on a chess board — (Image: iStock/Getty Plus/Olivier Le Moal)

IP Strategy Checklist for SMEs

Need help with your company's IP assets? Use our step-by-step IP strategy checklist to start you off.

How can IPMC benefit my business?

Every innovative company has unique business challenges that require a tailored IP strategy – an action plan to identify, develop, protect and leverage a company's portfolio of IP assets. Successfully implemented, an IP strategy allows businesses to gain competitive advantage and drives profitability.

All IP Management Clinics share a common methodology, format and duration, though some offer different degrees of specialization in certain areas of IP. Companies selected by WIPO benefit from various activities spread over four months, including:

One-on-one mentorship with renowned IP expert(s) selected by WIPO on how to better use IP for growth. A mix of IP-related expertise is on the panel, e.g. IP strategy, IP management, branding, valuation, licensing and franchising
Training opportunities and access to practical tools and services
Networking opportunities amongst peers

While the program is open to companies from around the world and from all industries, some editions of IPMC may be open to companies that work with specific technology only. The program would be of particular value to companies that are already making use of the IP system to support their work.

The program is conducted in English and is free-of-charge.

Current opportunities

Currently, our program does not have any opportunities available, but we invite you to explore our resources and stay tuned for future updates. We invite you to explore testimonials from past participants and discover a wealth of resources tailored to support you in using IP as a key business enabler.

IP Management Clinic success stories

First Thai Sustainable Vegan Egg Substitute

The company's product is the first Thai plant-based egg replacement.
Full story
BAOWE – A Woman Entrepreneur Network in Bhutan

Helping Rural Entrepreneurs to Add Value to their Products in Bhutan and Increase Market Reach.
Full story
Organic Vanilla from Samoa

A Passionate Vanilla Farmer Hopes to Put Samoa Vanilla on the World Map.

Full story
Tepbac Sustainable Shrimp Farming Technology

Helping Small Shrimp Farmers with New Technology Tools for Increased, Sustainable Production in Viet Nam.
Full story
Curetex’s Washi-based Organic Fabric

Meet Curetex Corporation, Japan, that benefited from IPMC's 2022 edition.

Full story

IP Management Clinic programs

Events

WIPO Intellectual Property Management Clinic: Leveraging IP for Business Growth and Globalization

March 11-15, 2024

IP Management Clinic: Leveraging IP for Business Growth and GlobalizationNovember 21-22, 2023

Ongoing editions

Laos Launches First IP Management Clinic Program

Brunei Launches First IP Management Clinic Program

IP Management Clinics in Africa to Bring into Picture the Role of Intellectual Property in Agritech and Healthtech Startups in Africa

IP Management Clinic Program supporting SMEs in the area of AI in selected arab countries

Previous editions

2023:

2021-2022:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to participate in the IPMC program?

The IPMC program is complimentary for enterprises. However, we expect companies to commit their time to ensure effective outcomes from the program.

What is the expected time commitment during the four months?

We expect companies to spend at least 6-10 hours for mentorship sessions with the expert(s). This can be flexibly arranged with the expert(s) depending on the needs and schedules of the company, and can be either in-person or virtual meetings. This excludes the time that should be set aside for training (see below).

What trainings are available?

Curated training will be offered to companies as part of program. These will include modules from the WIPO Academy (online distance learning).

How will my company’s confidential information be protected?

There will be a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) between the IP expert (s) and the company.

For any further questions on the IP Management Clinics program, please contact us.

Testimonials

Have a look at what previous IPMC participants have to say about the program:

Mr. Ben Reeve

Co-Founder,
Modern Synthesis,
UK-based biomaterial innovative company

Fantastic program, providing a huge amount of knowledge about the importance of aligning IP and business strategy with the key risks and related mitigations (including employees’ and ownership considerations). As a result of this training, we have adapted our IP strategy to perform quarterly IP reviews, competitor analysis updates and tracking systems for customer projects.

Mr. Masaki Fujishiro

Chairman,
Curetex Corporation,
innovative Japanese entity manufacturing textiles using rice paper

Through the networking opportunities, we identified new business connections with possibilities to market our products in Europe and South-Africa. We now understand the value of our IP assets and we work towards improving our IP knowledge and management strategy to increase our competitiveness.