The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announces the launch of the Annual Intellectual Property Competition for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), 2024 edition. The contest is open to SMEs and startups from all WIPO’s 193 Member Mtates, of which the Republic of Moldova is a part.

SMEs active in all sectors of the economy on – be it technology, agriculture, creative industries, etc., that use various intellectual property (IP), copyright, trademarks, patents or geographical indications can apply to the competition. This year, the contest is also opening its doors to startups.

An independent jury will select a pool of up to seven winners. Each will receive an invitation to attend the Awards Ceremony, to be held during the July 2024 WIPO General Assembly in Geneva. Each winner will also benefit from a personalized mentorship program focused on strengthening the use of IP, pursuing new business goals and accessing financial resources to create even greater impact.

The application form is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Japanese. The deadline for applying to the competition is March 31, 2024.

By highlighting the important role that IP plays in promoting economic, social and cultural development, the WIPO Global Awards aim to amplify intellectual property as an asset and inspire more innovators, creators and designers to see IP as a powerful tool for fostering progress, both locally and abroad.

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