SMEs are the backbone of national economies. They represent around 90 percent of the world's businesses, employ around 70 percent of workers globally and make up around half of the global economy.
World Intellectual Property Day message from WIPO Assistant Director General Marco Aleman
Studies show that when businesses acquire and use IP rights effectively, they do better. Yet many SMEs still don't know how IP can help them turn their ideas in to marketable business assets or how IP can help them compete and grow.
At a time when the imperative of economic recovery is high, World Intellectual Property Day 2021 shines a light on the critical role of SMEs in the economy. It also takes a closer look at how SMEs can use IP rights to build stronger, more competitive and resilient businesses.
This special focus issue of the WIPO Magazine surveys some of the challenges and opportunities for SMEs in using IP. We also explore how selected SMEs are using IP to advance their business goals.
For more on World Intellectual Property Day, see World IP Day page.
