WIPO’s COVID-19 Related Services and Support

WIPO helps member states to address specific challenges post-pandemic through the launch of new, impact-oriented projects leveraging the effective use of intellectual property (IP). A special focus is dedicated to those typically underserved by the IP system such as women, youth, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), local communities and indigenous peoples.

The COVID-19 Response Package was approved by the WIPO member states in October 2021, and launched by the WIPO Director General Daren Tang as part of WIPO’s Program of Work and Budget 2022/23.

Following the success of the COVID-19 Response Package, WIPO’s new Build Back Fund has been introduced as part of WIPO’s Program of Work and Budget 2024/25. The Build Back Fund ensures the seamless continuity of projects and activities launched under the COVID-19 Response Package, and will continue to address country-specific needs and priorities during the post-pandemic period.

Contact

Member states seeking more information should contact the Build Back Fund Focal Point.

Member states seeking more information on the WHO-WIPO-WTO Trilateral Cooperation relating to COVID-19 should contact Ms. Amy Dietterich, Director of the Global Challenges Division.

Areas of support

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Technical assistance and capacity building

Tailored support to member states for COVID-19 response and recovery projects.
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Trilateral cooperation

Access resources at the intersection of IP, health, and trade through the WHO-WIPO-WTO trilateral cooperation.
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Policy and legislative assistance

Legislative and policy advice relating to IP, innovation and creativity.
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Skills and knowledge development 

Practical skills-building and training opportunities offered by the WIPO Academy.
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Innovation support

Access to specific policy, decision making and tools to respond to COVID-19 issues through WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs).
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IP dispute resolution

WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center services catered to the life sciences sector.

Knowledge resources

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COVID-19, Innovative Firms and Resilience

WIPO published an economic research working paper on patent filings as a strong indicator for a company’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in manufacturing industries. The study shows that patent-intensive firms, especially those with R&D investments, have greater resilience and productivity. Read the COVID-19, Innovative Firms and Resilience publication to find out more about the relationship between intellectual property activity and economic resilience in industry, including policy insights.
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WIPO ADR Options for Life Sciences Dispute Management and Resolution

The WIPO ADR Options for Life Sciences Dispute Management and Resolution publication was developed by the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center as part of WIPO’s COVID-19 support package for member states. The publication takes into account input from WIPO Arbitrators and Mediators specialized in life sciences.
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Resilience and Ingenuity: Global Innovation Responses to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the ecosystems that spur innovation and creativity around the world. The e-book Resilience and Ingenuity: Global Innovation Responses to COVID-19 untangles how the pandemic shaped the innovation landscape of the world’s major economies, and how scientists, entrepreneurs and creative professionals responded to the crisis.

Spotlight on COVID-19 Response Package projects

The COVID-19 Response Package delivers projects with significant local impact, empowering beneficiaries and strengthening their resilience particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Meetings and webinars

We have increased our offerings of virtual meetings and webinars to accommodate for COVID-19 restrictions and made them more accessible worldwide.
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WIPO virtual / hybrid meetings and webinars

Delegates can participate remotely and interactively in our formal meetings, thanks to a multi-lingual, cloud-based, virtual conferencing platform.