Are you a startup or small or medium sized enterprise (SME) based in Lao?
Do you already have a product or service on the market and want to better protect, manage, and use your intellectual property (IP) to grow your business?
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Industry and Commerce, is pleased to launch the Intellectual Property Management Clinic (IPMC) in Lao.
This free, high value program is designed to help Laotian startups and SMEs strengthen their IP strategies and use IP as a practical tool for business growth, competitiveness, and market expansion.
What is the IP Management Clinic?
The IP Management Clinic is a four-month capacity-building program that provides tailored guidance and hands-on support to selected companies based on their specific business needs.
The program focuses on helping participating companies to:
- Understand the strategic role of IP in building and sustaining a competitive advantage
- Identify and protect their intellectual assets in both physical and digital environments
- Use IP to support commercialization, partnerships, and business growth
What selected companies will receive (free of charge)
Over the course of four months, selected companies will benefit from:
- Three one-on-one mentoring sessions with leading IP experts
- One workshop session with a business expert
- Three online workshops covering key business and IP topics, including:
- Creation and management of an IP strategy and portfolio
- IP monetization (licensing, sales, and partnerships)
- Networking opportunities with other companies participating in the clinic
All mentoring sessions and workshops are fully funded by the program.
Who can apply?
This call is open to startups and SMEs from all sectors.
To be eligible, applicant companies must:
- Be a startup or SME based in Lao
- Have a product or service that is already marketed
- Be protected by at least one intellectual property right (such as a trademark, patent, utility model, industrial design, copyright, or trade secret)
- Have a team of at least two people
Program timeline
- Application deadline: 20 April 2026
- Selection: 20–25 companies will be selected by the organizers
- Program launch: In person event, 22–24 April 2026, Vientiane, Lao
- Program duration: Four months (April to August 2026)
Selected companies are expected to actively participate in the program activities, including:
- Attending online workshops and mentoring sessions
- Sharing non confidential information about their business, technology, and IP
- Providing feedback after the completion of the program
The estimated time commitment is 10–15 hours in total over four months.
How to apply
Interested companies must complete the application form by 20 April 2026.
To learn more about the program and access the application form, please visit IP Management Clinic.