The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announces the launch of the annual competition for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the field of intellectual property. The competition is open to SMEs in WIPO’s 193 Member States, including the Republic of Moldova.

SMEs active in all sectors of the economy – be that technology, agriculture, the creative industries, etc. – can apply to the competition using all forms of intellectual property (IP), copyright, trademarks, patents or geographical indications.

An independent jury of renowned experts will select up to seven winners from a shortlist of 20 nominees based on a range of criteria, including the successful commercialization of IP and its positive contribution to society. Diversity of the contenders is also considered.

Winners receive a tailored 1:1 mentoring package to support their IP strategies - including funding facilitation, partnership opportunities and publicity support. Winners will receive their awards at a ceremony at WIPO’s Geneva headquarters during WIPO’s General Assembly in July 2023.

“WIPO Global Awards program recognizes enterprises and individuals that bring great new products and services to market, creating jobs that support communities, while improving our world through their work,” said WIPO Director General Daren Tang. “Our hope is that in recognizing the IP-centered achievements of SMEs, we will encourage greater numbers of businesses and entrepreneurs to use IP strategically in taking their ideas to market,” added the WIPO Director General.

The deadline for applying to the competition is March 31, 2023.

More information about the competition can be found on the WIPO website: https://www.wipo.int/global-awards/en/2023/ .