Strengthening Global Inventor Support Through Expanded Cooperation, Commercialization Opportunities, and New Joint Initiatives under WIPO’s Inventor Assistance Program (IAP)
October 28, 2026 | Geneva, Switzerland
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) discussed new opportunities to strengthen their longstanding cooperation under the Inventor Assistance Program (IAP), with particular emphasis on supporting independent inventors, expanding international outreach, and facilitating the commercialization of innovative technologies.
A meeting between representatives of IFIA and WIPO’s Inventor Assistance Program took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Geneva time.
The discussions brought together Allison Mages and Evgeniy Sesitsky of WIPO, alongside representatives of IFIA, to review existing cooperation and explore practical initiatives aimed at enhancing the program’s international reach and long-term impact.
As an existing sponsor of the Inventor Assistance Program, IFIA reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting the initiative and contributing to its objectives through its international network of inventors’ associations, innovation events, and professional partnerships.
The meeting focused on identifying opportunities to build upon previous activities and further strengthen cooperation between the two organizations.
Expanding Support Across Participating Countries
The WIPO Inventor Assistance Program is an international initiative designed to help eligible inventors and small businesses access professional intellectual property assistance, particularly when financial limitations prevent them from obtaining such services independently.
Through a network of volunteer patent professionals, the program helps beneficiaries navigate patent protection procedures and better understand how to protect and manage their inventions.
According to WIPO’s published information, the program currently operates in 10 participating countries: Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Africa.
During the meeting, participants discussed opportunities to leverage IFIA’s international network to increase awareness of the program, strengthen engagement with national inventors’ associations, and improve access to information for eligible inventors.
Particular attention was given to identifying practical ways in which IFIA could contribute to the program’s outreach and support activities in participating countries.
Strengthening the Connection Between Patent Protection and Commercialization
One of the central topics of the meeting was the importance of helping inventors move beyond the initial stages of intellectual property protection toward the practical development and commercialization of their innovations.
The discussions explored how IFIA’s international experience, professional connections, and engagement with the global innovation community could complement the existing objectives of the IAP.
Potential areas of cooperation included facilitating access to innovation networks, increasing the visibility of promising inventions, supporting technology development, and exploring opportunities for inventors to connect with relevant markets and commercialization resources.
The participants recognized the value of examining complementary forms of support that could help eligible inventors translate protected inventions into commercially viable technologies, products, and services.
Such initiatives would be subject to further discussion and agreement between the organizations.
Promoting the IAP Through IFIA-Supported International Events
Another major area of discussion concerned the international visibility of the Inventor Assistance Program.
IFIA and WIPO representatives explored opportunities to promote the IAP through international invention exhibitions, innovation forums, and other events supported by IFIA.
Proposals included presenting information about the program at official IFIA exhibition stands, distributing relevant promotional materials, and introducing IAP opportunities to inventors and IFIA’s member associations through the Federation’s international communication channels.
These activities could help raise awareness among inventors who may qualify for assistance but are not yet familiar with the program and its services.
By using established international platforms and direct connections with inventors’ associations, IFIA aims to contribute to broader awareness of the IAP and its potential benefits.
Connecting National Inventors' Associations With WIPO's IAP Team
The meeting also addressed the possibility of organizing a dedicated coordination session involving WIPO’s IAP management team and representatives of IFIA’s official member associations in participating countries.
The proposed initiative would provide an opportunity for national associations to engage directly with program representatives, exchange experiences, identify challenges faced by inventors, and discuss potential areas of practical cooperation.
Such engagement could strengthen communication between the program and national inventor communities while helping identify opportunities for more effective outreach and support.
In addition, the participants discussed the importance of regular coordination meetings between the President of IFIA and WIPO’s IAP management team to review cooperation, monitor progress, and explore future initiatives.
IFIA to Submit a New Proposal for Expanded Inventor Support
A key outcome of the meeting was an agreement that IFIA would prepare and submit a proposal to WIPO outlining potential additional support measures for inventors participating in the IAP.
The proposal will explore opportunities to build upon IFIA’s international resources and experience, with a particular focus on innovation development, commercialization opportunities, international exposure, and practical support for inventors.
It is expected to identify possible areas where IFIA’s activities could complement the IAP’s existing services and create additional opportunities for eligible beneficiaries.
Following its preparation, the proposal will be submitted to WIPO for consideration and further discussion regarding the feasibility and potential implementation of joint initiatives.
Building on an Established Partnership
The October 28 meeting marked a constructive step in the ongoing cooperation between IFIA and WIPO, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening the international environment for independent inventors.
Through its established sponsorship of the Inventor Assistance Program and its worldwide network of inventors’ associations, IFIA continues to support initiatives that improve access to intellectual property knowledge, professional assistance, and innovation-related opportunities.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of connecting intellectual property protection with broader innovation development and commercialization pathways.
By building on existing cooperation and exploring complementary support mechanisms, IFIA and WIPO aim to identify new opportunities to help inventors protect, develop, and realize the potential of their innovations.
The proposed follow-up activities, including the preparation of IFIA’s new support proposal, coordination with national associations, and continued engagement with WIPO’s IAP team, are expected to provide a foundation for the next phase of discussions between the organizations.
Building on an Established Partnership
About IFIA
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is an international organization dedicated to supporting inventors, promoting innovation, and strengthening cooperation among inventors’ associations and innovation stakeholders worldwide.
About the WIPO Inventor Assistance Program
The Inventor Assistance Program (IAP) is a WIPO initiative that connects eligible inventors and small businesses with volunteer patent professionals who provide assistance in navigating patent protection processes.
Official websites: www.ifia.com | www.wipo.int