IP Management Clinic 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.
The program focuses on the IP-related aspects of the companies' product or technology across its business cycle, both from the perspective of an IP rights holder and of a user of third parties’ IPRs. The selected companies receive support to better manage and use their IP through personalized, one-on-one mentorship, expert advice and training.
В центре внимания

IP Business Moments

An IP management tool for every business lifecycle stage
В центре внимания
IMAGE: iStock/Getty Plus/Olivier Le Moal

IP Strategy Checklist for SMEs

Need help with your company's IP assets? Use our step-by-step IP strategy checklist to start you off.

How can IPMC benefit my business?

Every innovative company has unique business challenges that require a tailored IP strategy – an action plan to identify, develop, protect and leverage a company's portfolio of IP assets. Successfully implemented, an IP strategy allows businesses to gain competitive advantage and drives profitability.
All IP Management Clinics share a common methodology, format and duration, though some offer different degrees of specialization in certain areas of IP. Companies selected by WIPO benefit from various activities spread over four months, including:
  • One-on-one mentorship with renowned IP expert(s) selected by WIPO on how to better use IP for growth. A mix of IP-related expertise is on the panel, e.g. IP strategy, IP management, branding, valuation, licensing and franchising
  • Training opportunities and access to practical tools and services
  • Networking opportunities amongst peers
While the program is open to companies from around the world and from all industries, some editions of IPMC may be open to companies that work with specific technology only. The program would be of particular value to companies that are already making use of the IP system to support their work.
The program is conducted in English and is free-of-charge.

Testimonials

We invite you to explore testimonials from past participants and discover a wealth of resources tailored to support you in using IP as a key business enabler.
#

IP Management Clinic success stories

IP Management Clinic programs

Events

Ongoing editions

Previous editions

2025;

Events

Ongoing editions

Previous editions

2025;

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to participate in the IPMC program?

The IPMC program is complimentary for enterprises. However, we expect companies to commit their time to ensure effective outcomes from the program.

What is the expected time commitment during the four months?

We expect companies to spend at least 6-10 hours for mentorship sessions with the expert(s). This can be flexibly arranged with the expert(s) depending on the needs and schedules of the company, and can be either in-person or virtual meetings. This excludes the time that should be set aside for training (see below).

What trainings are available?

Curated training will be offered to companies as part of program. These will include modules from the WIPO Academy (online distance learning).

How will my company’s confidential information be protected?

There will be a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) between the IP expert(s) and the company.
For any further questions on the IP Management Clinics program, please contact us .

Testimonials

Have a look at what previous IPMC participants have to say about the program:
Возникла непредвиденная ошибка.
Ben Reeve

“This program transformed how I view IP. We came in as outsiders and left feeling like insiders in the world of IP. It gave me the tools and confidence to shape stronger contracts and assess the IP strategies of our partners. I’ve already decided to work with an IP lawyer and to pursue a patent I hadn’t considered before. The strategy I’m now following came directly from what I learned here, and the practical knowledge gained will shape our decision-making for years to come.”

Irene Healey, Founder and CEO, New Attitude Design Technologies Inc, develops and commercializes innovative external prostheses that restore function and enhance quality of life
Ben Reeve

“Fantastic program, providing a huge amount of knowledge about the importance of aligning IP and business strategy with the key risks and related mitigations (including employees’ and ownership considerations). As a result of this training, we have adapted our IP strategy to perform quarterly IP reviews, competitor analysis updates and tracking systems for customer projects.”

Ben Reeve – Co-Founder, Modern Synthesis, UK-based biomaterial innovative company
Masaki Fujishiro

“Through the networking opportunities, we identified new business connections with possibilities to market our products in Europe and South-Africa. We now understand the value of our IP assets and we work towards improving our IP knowledge and management strategy to increase our competitiveness.”

Masaki Fujishiro – Chairman, Curetex Corporation, innovative Japanese entity manufacturing textiles using rice paper

Resources on IP management

The IP Diagnostic Tool helps you identify your business' IP assets and provides you with an automated report with basic information on how to manage these assets.
These guides are designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises to understand why it is important to pay attention to IP, and what benefits can be drawn from its use.
This tool helps businesses optimize their IP strategies across five key lifecycle stages—from the startup phase to engaging with buyers and investors.
The IP Diagnostic Tool helps you identify your business' IP assets and provides you with an automated report with basic information on how to manage these assets.
This infographic will take you through the important IP issues which should be considered at different phases of a startup’s journey.
These guides are designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises to understand why it is important to pay attention to IP, and what benefits can be drawn from its use.
This tool helps businesses optimize their IP strategies across five key lifecycle stages—from the startup phase to engaging with buyers and investors.
Need help with your company's IP assets? Use our step-by-step IP strategy checklist to start you off.
Возникла непредвиденная ошибка.