March 26 & 27, 2024

WIPO's Inventor Assistance Program (IAP) supports inventors and small businesses with limited resources transform their innovation into commercial assets. The IAP matches selected beneficiaries with a volunteer patent attorney or agent to help them navigate the patent system at no cost. This unique Program benefits from a global network of volunteers that provide patent drafting and prosecution services on a pro bono basis to beneficiaries in their own country and in selected jurisdictions.

The Summit brought together 31 participants, including the representatives from the Patent Offices, Program's volunteers and supporters, and beneficiaries from the IAP participating countries (Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa). The IAP Steering Committee members, also shared their experiences and insights, and reflected on the Program’s progress and explored strategies for the IAP’s growth.  It was opened by Marco M. Alemán, WIPO Assistant Director General for the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector.

During the event, the country focal points shared best practices and their vision on how to enhance the implementation of the IAP locally, including its integration with other national initiatives to support innovators. One of the key highlights of the Summit was the engaging dialogue with IAP beneficiaries and volunteers, who shared their experiences of participating in the Program, including challenges faced by local innovators, and made valuable suggestions on what WIPO and local authorities can do to better facilitate the Program’s implementation. The insights obtained from the Summit will also serve as a catalyst to take the IAP to the next level.