IFIA Membership Procedure
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States and is officially recognized as a tax-exempt organization in Switzerland. We maintain two permanent headquarters—one in the United States and the other in Switzerland—to effectively coordinate our global operations.
In addition, IFIA has established 10 regional offices, extending from Latin America to Central Asia, which serve as essential hubs for promoting innovation, supporting inventors, and fostering collaboration within their respective regions. This global structure enables us to advance our mission of strengthening innovation worldwide and promoting deeper public understanding of its vital role in economic and social development.
As a distinguished federation, IFIA brings together a diverse membership including universities, governmental agencies, and non-profit research and innovation institutes. At present, our community exceeds 10,000 members, comprising Fellows, Full Members, Corresponding Members, Collaborating Members, and Chapter Members all affiliated with more than 200 institutions worldwide.
We actively encourage the establishment of local Chapters within Member Institutions. These Chapters act as the grassroots foundation of IFIA, providing a platform to recognize and inspire researchers and inventors while fostering a strong culture of innovation within local communities. Through their daily activities, IFIA Chapters amplify our mission, working to raise awareness of the indispensable role that research, innovation, and patented technology play in the advancement and well-being of society.
Membership Structure and Application Process
Membership in IFIA is open to academic, governmental, and non-profit research institutions. Our extensive global network currently comprises more than 200 Member Institutions. Please note that individual membership is only available through our member institutions.
To begin the application process, interested institutions must:
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Submit a formal membership request letter addressed to the President of IFIA,
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Complete the membership application form (provided in Word format).
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Send both documents, along with all supporting materials, to IFIA International Affairs & Public Relations department at info@ifia.com
IFIA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
What documents should the applicant have?
- National Registration Certificate of the Institute
- Approval of activity from one of the government agencies
- Activity report for the past two years
- Latest financial report
- Statute of the Institute (in English)
- Full information of the President of the Institute along with her/him’s photo
- Full physical mailing address with the contact number
- Having an official website and official corporate email
Who can join?
- National Inventor/ Innovator Associations/ institutions/ societies
- Women Inventor/ Innovator Associations / institutions/ societies
- Young Inventor/ Innovator Associations/ institutions/ societies
- Associations of scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs
- Corporations and companies
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Governmental agencies which promote inventive activity
- Innovation centers and research centers
- Start-ups
- Science parks
- Universities / Colleges / Schools acting in the area of invention and innovation
- Research and innovation laboratories
- National/international invention exhibitions, fairs, festivals
- And any other entity performing activities in the field of invention and innovation
IFIA Full Membership Fee Policy,
The annual full membership fee of IFIA is determined based on the status of the member association and the economic classification of the country, taking into account both its development status and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level.
Categories:
Small associations or associations from underdeveloped / low-GDP countries
Annual Fee: USD 1,000 – 2,000
This category applies to associations operating in countries with low GDP and low Human Development Index (HDI), typically classified as underdeveloped.
Medium associations from developing / middle-GDP countries
Annual Fee: USD 2,000 – 5,000
This category applies to associations based in countries with developing economy status and medium-range GDP, where the innovation ecosystem is still growing.
Large associations or associations from developed / high-GDP countries
Annual Fee: USD 5,000 – 10,000
This category applies to associations operating in countries recognized as developed economies with high GDP, where innovation infrastructures and R&D ecosystems are well-established
IFIA Other Categories Membership Fee Policy,
The annual membership fee for Corresponding, Candidate, and Collaborating Members is determined according to the status of the member association and the economic classification of the country. Both the size of the association and the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level are considered.
Categories:
Small associations or associations from underdeveloped / low-GDP countries
Annual Fee: USD 1,000 – 2,000
Applies to associations in countries with low GDP and low Human Development Index (HDI), typically classified as underdeveloped.
Medium associations from developing / middle-GDP countries
Annual Fee: USD 2,000 – 5,000
Applies to associations based in countries with developing economy status and medium GDP, where the innovation ecosystem is emerging.
Large associations or associations from developed / high-GDP countries
Annual Fee: USD 5,000 – 10,000
Applies to associations in countries recognized as developed economies with high GDP, where innovation infrastructure and R&D are well-established.
IFIA Membership Request Form and Letter
Membership Fee Payment and Certification
At the end of each calendar year, during the month of December, IFIA members receive their membership fee invoice for the upcoming year. Members are required to settle the payment no later than the end of January of the following year.
After completing the payment, members must submit and send a copy of the payment receipt to the IFIA Secretariat as confirmation of their fee settlement.
Upon receipt of payment confirmation, the IFIA Secretariat issues an official annual Membership Certificate, which is then sent to the member institution
Guide on Associations of Inventors
This Guide on Associations of Inventors has been prepared by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in cooperation with the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations ( IFIA), whose contribution has been very useful and is much appreciated.
