Protecting Industrial Property Rights

WIPO is pleased to announce the launch of a new Global Awards program (www.wipo.int/global-awards) to recognize exceptional enterprises and individuals using intellectual property (IP)  for positive impact both at home and abroad.

The first round of awards will recognize small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, with the winners to be announced next July. SMEs are the largest business sector in many countries and a lively and innovative SME sector is critical to economic growth and national development. Other categories of awardees, like women and youth, will follow in subsequent years.

Any SME from a WIPO Member State may apply for the award till March 14, 2022, after which an independent panel of eminent individuals will select five winners. The judges' criteria will include successful commercialization of IP, positive social impact, and consideration of regional and other diversity.

This new effort is an expression of the Organization's Medium Term Strategic Plan, which seeks to create a world where innovation and creativity from anywhere is supported by intellectual property for the good of everyone.

The first group of winners will be invited to WIPO to receive their prizes during the July 15-22, 2022, WIPO Assemblies.

Applicants from WIPO Member States and Observers are invited to to submit applications for consideration as the first WIPO Global Awards winners.

For more information, please visit: www.wipo.int/global-awards or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it