The 尊龙凯时官网入口注册开户 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.
The 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.
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Video: Why Apply to WIPO’s 尊龙凯时官网入口注册开户 Inventor Assistance Program
Through the IAP, volunteers provide a free kick-start to the use and development of the patent system in the
Attorneys, agents, and other professionals specializing in patents can volunteer for the Program. Currently, the IAP is seeking volunteers from participating countries, as well as Europe and the United States.
Volunteers offer their services at no cost to IAP beneficiaries, to support under-resourced inventors and small businesses navigate the patent system.
You can apply as a volunteer using the IAP Online Platform. You will need a WIPO Account to complete the online application form. We will get back to you about your acceptance into the Program.
To be eligible as a volunteer, you must be qualified to practice before the patent office of the country where you are volunteering services. You must also accept in writing the guiding principles .
If you are from another jurisdiction, we still encourage you to apply. We will let you know when we are accepting volunteers from your country.
The IAP can help you transform your idea into a commercial asset. If selected, the IAP matches you with a volunteer patent professional to navigate the application process at no cost. Selected beneficiaries benefit from a global network of volunteers that provide patent drafting and prosecution services.
Securing a patent gives you control over the destiny of your invention. It lets you decide who can make, use, or sell it. This asset makes it easier to work with others to realize an invention and can help attract investors and partners. A patent can also be sold or licensed to create income.
Inventors and small businesses who live in an IAP participating country and meet the local eligibility criteria can apply for support through the IAP.
To qualify for the IAP, you must:
The National Screening Board in each participating country determines eligibility and selects beneficiaries based on the number of available volunteers.
*Some participating countries require potential beneficiaries to take the IAP online course, even if you have a pending patent application.
Applying to the IAP is easy:
For specifics on each country, please refer to the following information:
WIPO has developed a dedicated IAP Learning Module to help first-time inventors learn about the key aspects of patents and patenting process, and the IAP. The module is free of charge and open to the public.
Completing the IAP Learning Module is a prerequisite for accessing the IAP in many participating countries.
The IAP is a partnership. Its implementation and growth requires the commitment and shared responsibility of the participating countries, volunteers, the IAP Steering Committee, WIPO and sponsors.
All main actors must accept the IAP guiding principles
The central governance body of the IAP is the Steering Committee, which provides overall strategic direction, guidance and support.
The Steering Committee is made up of IP thought leaders, including the representatives of the stakeholders involved in the IAP.
List of Steering Committee members
WIPO work with countries, volunteers, the Steering Committee and Sponsors to implement and promote the IAP. We provide support to countries join and operate the Program, including through our IAP Online Platform. WIPO also coordinates activity at the international level, and works with participating countries to develop their innovation ecosystems to maximize the IAP’s impact.
Corporations, law firms, associations of IP professionals, as well as other institutions working in the field of IP, are invited to join the IAP as sponsors.
Sponsors contribute by promoting the IAP, recruiting volunteers or offer other value-added services to beneficiaries. Sponsor membership in the Program is subject to approval of the IAP Steering Committee.
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, contact us.