WIPO IP Management Clinic for SMEs and Start-Ups in the Arab Region 2024.

Applications are now open for the 2024 WIPO IP Management Clinic for SMEs and Start-Ups in the Arab Region. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is excited to announce the launch of its latest edition of the IP Management Clinic (IPMC), specifically designed for SMEs and Startups in the Arab region. Organized in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), this program is aimed at supporting cross-sector SMEs and Startups transitioning into or already operating within digital marketplaces by helping them navigate the IP challenges unique to online environments.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be an SME or Startup (less than €50 million in turnover, fewer than 250 employees)
Must be based in an Arab country
Must own a commercialized product or service, potentially or already protected by IP rights
Must operate within digital marketplaces
Must have an entrepreneurial team of at least two people
The team must have a good command of English

Selection Criteria

A total of 30 companies will be selected to participate, receiving tailored support to enhance their IP management capabilities, particularly in an online setting.
Participants will also receive guidance on formulating effective IP strategies that align with their business plans and intangible assets, ensuring they can protect and monetize their products in global markets.

Benefits

Selected companies will receive an exclusive invitation to attend the Arab SMEs Summit 2024 in Qatar, which will serve as the program’s official launch.
This will be followed by a four-month virtual program beginning in January 2025, which includes a combination of one-on-one mentorship from IP and business experts, training opportunities, and ongoing access to valuable WIPO resources.

To be considered for selection, applicants must complete the preliminary virtual training scheduled in September and October 2024. This training will focus on IP Fundamentals, IP Audits, and the use of WIPO’s diagnostic tool. Participants will also practice generating personal reports using this tool.