Program helps Malaysian SMEs across diverse sectors develop strategic IP portfolios.
Penang, Malaysia – The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Malaysia's Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO) have kicked off the third edition of their Intellectual Property Management Clinics (IPMC) program in Penang, following successful launches in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.
The latest clinic brought together a small and medium enterprises from agritech, manufacturing, logistics, fashion, and food & beverage sectors— highlighting Penang’s diverse business landscape. True to its reputation as Malaysia’s street food capital, participating SMEs showcased a wide range of innovative technologies and products—from creative new “curry ball” recipes, novel coffee-brewing methods, and distinctive formulations to make pickles to modular aquaculture solutions.
Tailored IP strategy support
During the IPMC, selected SMEs took part in individual mentoring sessions led by experts, Ng Zi Yu, Patricia Chung, Wong Jin Nee, and Geetha Kandiah, alongside WIPO and MyIPO staff. These sessions helped companies identify their key intangible assets, clarify ownership and confidentiality protocols, develop balanced IP portfolios, and align IP strategies with business expansion goals.
Many participating companies reported gaining practical insights into IP strategy and its role as a business asset. Several participants also indicated plans to expand their operations internationally — which will be supported through continued mentoring.
Strengthening Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem
This initiative reflects the shared vision of WIPO and MyIPO to move beyond awareness toward strategic action and value creation. By equipping SMEs in Penang with the tools to manage their IP proactively, the program strengthens Malaysia’s position in IP-driven innovation.
The organizations will now proceed to the next phases of the initiative, ensuring that participating SMEs continue developing their IP capabilities and translating them into meaningful commercial results.
The clinic is part of broader efforts to support Malaysia's growing knowledge economy and help local businesses compete in international markets through strategic IP management. It is made possible through financial support from the Japan Patent Office. WIPO conducts similar IP management clinics in various countries as part of its global initiative to strengthen SME innovation capabilities.