World Intellectual Property Organization

WIPO is the UN agency devoted to intellectual property (IP), with headquarters in Geneva. It is home to several IP treaties and also hosts several resources for policymakers, businesses, and other interested parties. A summary of these resources is provided below.

WIPO IP Diagnostic 

WIPO provides an online IP self-assessment tool, which was launched in November 2021. The tool includes a questionnaire on several IP-related issues that may affect your business and generates a report upon the questionnaire’s completion. The tool is accessible online on the WIPO website

WIPO’s IP for Business Series of Guides 

WIPO also has several guides that outline how intellectual property issues can be dealt with by companies. The full series of guides can be accessed on the WIPO website, and a brief list of the key ones for MSMEs can be found below. 

  1. Enterprising Ideas, A Guide to Intellectual Property for Startups (2021) 
  2. Looking Good – An Introduction to Industrial Designs for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (updated and revised 2019).  
  3. In Good Company: Managing Intellectual Property Issues in Franchising (revised 2019) 
  4. Inventing the Future: An Introduction to Patents for Small and Medium sized Enterprises (updated and revised 2018) 
  5. Making a Mark: An Introduction to Trademarks for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (updated and revised 2017)    
  6. Creative Expression: An Introduction to Copyright and Related Rights for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (2023) 

There are also several other guides in development, which should be available on the WIPO website in due course.  

SME Support Institutions Platform (SSIP) 

WIPO has a directory of institutions that can help unlock the value of intellectual property SME Support Institutions Platform (SSIP).  

IP Management 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 IP Management Clinic for SMEs.

IP Office Business Solutions

WIPO also provides support for national IP offices as they develop their own services for domestic users. Further information on the support available is on the WIPO website.

IPGAP Database

WIPO’s IPGAP Database serves as a comprehensive resource showcasing global policies and initiatives that enhance women’s participation in innovation and intellectual property (IP) IPGAP Database.

IP Advantage

Case studies and stories on how intellectual property (IP) works in the real world, and how its successful exploitation can contribute to development IP Advantage.

IP Backed Finance

Country Perspective reports on Unlocking IP-backed Financing tracking how countries are tackling IP-Backed finance IP Backed Finance.

 

Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Find a concise overview of key aspects of international trade for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with our Businesses & Entrepreneurs Guides.

Policymakers & Researchers

Find a concise overview of key aspects of trade and MSME-related policymaking with our dedicated library of Policymakers & Researchers Guides.