The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in cooperation with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), with support from the Funds-in-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global), launched an Intellectual Property Management Clinic (IPMC) from February 2 to 5, 2026, bringing strategic IP support to over 20 MSMEs and startups from across the country.
The four-month initiative, running until May 2026, represents a significant milestone in strengthening the Philippines' innovation ecosystem. Through intensive training, one-on-one mentoring, and sector-specific guidance, the program aims to help MSMEs develop tailored IP strategies that drive long-term competitiveness, enable market expansion, and unlock the full value of their intangible assets.
A Strategic Approach to Business Growth Through IP
The kick-off event opened with remarks from IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo, Mr. Motohiro Nishio, IP Attaché of Japan Patent Office for S.E. Asia Director, Intellectual Property Department, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Singapore Office and Mr. Guy Pessach, Director of WIPO's IP for Business Division, who emphasized the critical role of IP in transforming innovation into commercial success.
"MSMEs can raise their innovative capabilities by maximizing the use of their IP assets while protecting their IP rights. IP assets have a value that is translatable to their equity or market value," said ADG Arevalo. "Harnessing the potential of your IPs would strengthen your position in the markets, from local to global, while stimulating your entrepreneurial growth."
ADG Arevalo highlighted that MSMEs remain central to the Philippine economy, accounting for over 99% of business establishments and more than 66% of total employment in 2024, making strategic IP support essential for national economic development.
"Behind every statistic, there are real entrepreneurs. For them, IP is the bridge from invention to investment, from creativity to commercial success," said Mr. Pessach. "The IPMC is a game changer for companies. It is also a game changer for us in the way we work with SMEs and support them. The Philippines has a vibrant SME sector — from fashion, crafts and food products to creative industries and technology startups. We are proud to support these businesses in unlocking the full value of their ideas and creativity."
From IP Awareness to Strategic Action
The first day of the clinic provided MSMEs, along with select guests from government partners and IPOPHL's Innovation and Technology Support Offices (ITSOs), with a comprehensive primer on IP fundamentals and an overview of what participants can expect throughout the program.
Technical sessions and panel discussions explored how IP drives commercialization and business growth, covering key topics including IP auditing, management, protection, and enforcement. Participants learned how to align IP strategies with business objectives, build brand equity, reduce business risk, and generate revenue through licensing and partnerships. These sessions emphasized that IP is not merely a legal formality but a vital strategic tool for scaling operations and entering new markets.
Putting Knowledge into Practice
The first day concluded with an engaging simulation exercise using the IP Strategy board game, designed by WIPO to help companies apply their newly acquired knowledge in a practical setting. Working in small groups, SMEs mapped their intangible assets onto a business model canvas and selected combinations of IP rights within a set budget—illustrating the practical trade-offs that businesses face in real-world IP decision-making.
The interactive exercise allowed participants to test different IP strategies and understand how various IP tools can be strategically deployed to protect innovation and support business growth.
Deep-Dive Mentoring for Business Transformation
From February 3 to 5, participating MSMEs engaged in intensive deep-dive sessions conducted by IP experts. These personalized consultations focused on mapping intangible assets, clarifying ownership issues, developing balanced IP portfolios, and linking IP strategy with commercialization plans and market expansion goals.
The one-on-one sessions provided tailored recommendations specific to each company's sector, stage of development, and business objectives. Companies represented diverse industries including fashion, crafts, food products, creative industries, and technology startups, reflecting the breadth and dynamism of the Philippine SME ecosystem.
Sustained Support for Long-Term Success
Following the intensive kick-off phase, online follow-on consultations will continue throughout the coming months until May 2026, ensuring sustained support and ongoing guidance as participating MSMEs implement their IP strategies and navigate practical challenges.
Launched by WIPO in 2022 and successfully rolled out in several countries worldwide, the IPMC supports innovative companies in adopting best practices in IP management and unlocking the full commercial value of their creativity and innovation.
By bringing this proven model to the Philippines, WIPO and IPOPHL are empowering Filipino entrepreneurs across sectors to turn their ideas into protected, high-value assets ready for both domestic and international markets, strengthening the country's position as a hub of innovation and creativity in Southeast Asia.