From Patent to Profit: IAP Expands Support with LESI’s Sponsorship

Licensing Executives Society International (LESI) joins the Inventor Assistance Program as its newest sponsor, expanding opportunities for inventors to transform patents into profitable ventures.  This partnership extends the Program’s services beyond protection by providing IAP beneficiaries guidance on commercializing patents.

The IAP connects individual inventors and small businesses with limited resources to professionals who help them navigate the patent system at no cost.  This levels the playing field, increasing the chance of these inventors in securing a patent.  Since its launch, the IAP has supported inventors to secure high-quality patents – a crucial step in their innovation journey.

However, securing a patent protection alone is not enough to assure commercial success.  Many inventors still face challenges in bringing their innovations to market.  With this new partnership, WIPO and LESI will work together to help inventors capitalize on their patents’ commercial potential.  LESI volunteers will work with IAP beneficiaries to help them take steps towards effectively monetizing their patents.  Inventors will receive valuable guidance on how to commercialize their inventions, transforming their ideas into viable products and services.

LESI brings more than 50 years of expertise as a global non-profit organization, supporting business and technology professionals in commercializing through licensing and leveraging intellectual property (IP).  Through its national and regional societies in 90 countries, LESI will connect IAP beneficiaries to a local expert to discuss and help implement commercialization strategies, aligning the approach to the beneficiary’s business plan.

Dana Robert Colarulli, Executive Director of LESI, emphasizes the partnership’s potential for impact on innovative small and medium sized businesses:

“IP can play an effective role to bring to the table all the players needed to effectively move an innovation toward the marketplace.  But often, companies who obtain IP assets aren’t sure of their next steps on how to license or best use their IP to pull together strategic collaborators or investors.  LESI is excited to join WIPO to help those coming out of the IAP program to ask the right questions about how to best leverage their IP.”

“Connecting the Inventor Assistance Program with LESI’s commercialization expertise creates a more seamless pathway for inventors to transform their innovations into economic growth”, said Marco M. Alemán, WIPO Assistant Director General. “This is a pivotal moment that will empower a new generation of entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality”.

This IAP-LESI partnership creates a more complete ecosystem that powers innovation from patent to profitable venture, reinforcing WIPO’s commitment to fostering innovation and creativity for a better and more sustainable future.

Want to learn more about the Inventor Assistance Program?

Visit the IAP Online Platform to learn more about how to become an IAP beneficiary or volunteer, or to find more information on the Program.