WIPO Global Awards for Startups

WIPO Global Awards for Startups


Introduction

Intellectual property (IP) in its different forms, ranging from patents and trademarks to industrial
designs and copyright, is of immense significance for the economic, social and cultural
development of society.

The United Nations (UN) recognizes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups
make up a large share of economies, whether in developed or less developed countries, and
are a critical source of innovation and creativity across all sectors, markets and aspects of life.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) takes into the account the exclusive role of SMEs and startups to use IP systems to deploy innovative and creative activities that have the
potential to contribute economically, socially or culturally to society.

Through this Awards Program, WIPO undertakes to celebrate SMEs that have used IP rights to
commercialize innovative and creative products/services beyond their home country, and in the case of startups, for integrating IP into their business venture at an early stage, acknowledging the potential to commercialize their IP assets.

Eligibility for SMEs

The Awards Program is open to all SMEs located in at least one of WIPO’s 193 Member States
and meeting the following conditions: