Intellectual Property (IP) Management Clinic (IPMC) Supporting SMEs from the Arab Region in the Area of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

September 26, 2023

Supporting SMEs’ AI Innovations from selected Arab countries

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly utilizing AI as a remarkable force to develop cutting-edge products and services. At the same time, the value of assets they possess in the form of revolutionary technologies, designs and brands keeps growing, placing these enterprises at the crossroads of innovation and IP. While IP is key to the protection and monetization of AI projects, AI innovations have raised complex questions about IP protection, IP ownership and IP strategies.

Recognizing AI’s transformative potential and SMEs’ challenges in navigating complex IP landscapes, the IP for Business Division (IPBD), the Division for Arab Countries (DAC) and the IP and Frontier Technology division (IPFT) supported by the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global have launched a new edition of the IPMC to support SMEs from 10 selected Arab Countries (Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, UAE) in the area of AI to leverage their innovations fully. The Clinic is organized in cooperation with the following actors from the Arab region:

  • the League of Arab States (LAS)
  • the Gulf Cooperation Council Patent Office (GCCPO)
  • the Gulf Cooperation Council IP Training Center (GCCIPTC)
  • the IP Offices of the participating Arab countries
((PHOTO: DREW DIZZY GRAHAM)

Launch Event and Participants

The clinic was launched on September 26, 2023, providing an opportunity for 22 selected enterprises developing products and/or services that make use of AI/machine learning across various sectors* to meet the program supporting partners and the team of 5 local and international IP and business experts.  The online meeting was also attended by the representatives from seven IP Offices from the Arab Region (BH, EG, JO, MO, OM, SA, TN) and from their Permanent Missions in Geneva.

*These sectors include Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Education, Agriculture, Healthcare, Food Beverages, Energy, Logistic and Transportation, Telecommunication, Aviation, Retail and E-commerce and Architecture.

Meet the participants!

((PHOTO: wipo)

WIPO officials from IPBD, DAC and IPFT, together with the experts provided an overview of the 6 months program and its main components such as the one-on-one mentoring sessions and training on how to use their IP as a competitive advantage and grow further. The companies will also receive guidance on the peculiarities that arise in relation with the still evolving role of IP in the ground breaking technologies.

What happens next? Tailor-made support for SMEs

In the following months, the businesses will be invited to take part in several activities including:

  • One-on-one mentorship under the supervision of the IP and business experts
  • Training opportunities and access to practical tools and resources
  • Featuring at the regional public event that will be held in Cairo, Egypt, in May 2024 at the headquarters of the League of Arab States where the businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their IP strategies.

To learn more about this innovative program to support SMEs, check out our webpage: IP Management Clinic for SMEs Program