IAP Online Platform – Terms of Use

Date: March 24, 2025

By accessing/using the IAP Online Platform, the User is agreeing to be bound by these Terms of Use.

  1. Definitions

In these Terms of Use:

“IAP” refers to the Inventor Assistance Program developed by WIPO in cooperation with the World Economic Forum to match eligible inventors in participating countries with patent professionals providing pro bono legal assistance to help eligible inventors secure patent protection.

“Inventor” refers to an IAP applicant or IAP beneficiary.

"System" refers to the IAP Online Platform developed by WIPO that provides digital infrastructure for IAP.

"User" refers to any person who uses the System.

“Volunteer” refers to a patent professional participating in IAP.

  1. WIPO Account

The User must create a WIPO Account in order to login to the System and in doing so is bound by the Terms of Use of the WIPO Account.

 

  1. Use of the System

3.1       The System is provided free of charge by WIPO for the purposes of filing and managing IAP applications of inventors and volunteers, including the matchmaking process.

3.2       Accessing and using the System does not guarantee that the User may benefit from, or participate in, IAP.  Strict eligibility conditions apply for inventors and volunteers.  Before using the System, the User is strongly encouraged to become familiar with the specifications and conditions of IAP as described on WIPO’s website and other relevant documentation.

3.3       The User shall be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information they provide to WIPO and ensure that the information is updated whenever necessary. WIPO does not control/endorse the veracity of the information provided by the User.

3.4       The User shall not assign their rights or delegate their obligations to any third party. Any attempted assignment or delegation will be void.

3.5       The User is not allowed to download, reproduce or disclose templates/samples made available by WIPO in the System for purposes other than those of IAP without the prior authorization from WIPO.

3.6       The User is forbidden to use the System for any purpose that is unlawful or not reasonably intended by WIPO. Any abusive use is prohibited, including to use automated means to access and use the System.

3.7       The User shall not attempt to process anything through the System that contains malware or any other computer code, files or programs designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of the System.

3.8       WIPO may block access by the User to the System at its sole discretion where it is deemed that the use of the System does not comply with these Terms of Use.

 

  1. Level of Service

4.1       WIPO shall take all necessary measures to ensure maximum availability of the System 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The System may however be unavailable from time to time for scheduled maintenance or due to unforeseen circumstances. Information about service unavailability or maintenance will be published on WIPO's website when possible.

4.2       The System is serviced through an industry standard secured https:// protocol.

 

  1. Disclaimers

5.1       WIPO makes every effort to ensure, but cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the System. In particular, WIPO cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of reference data configured in the System that is provided by national authorities of the participating countries concerning the local implementation of the IAP.

5.2     The use of the System does not offer nor guarantee any protection of intellectual property rights. WIPO bears no responsibility for advice and information provided by volunteers to inventors and WIPO disclaims all liability in respect of actions taken or not taken based on any such advice and information.

5.3     Communications between Users via the System are not endorsed by WIPO and such communications shall not be considered to have been reviewed, screened or approved by WIPO.

5.4     Disclosure of confidential information or detailed technological information is at the sole discretion of the User and WIPO shall not be held liable for any loss or damage of whatsoever nature arising from disclosure of technological or other information in the System.

5.5       Posting by WIPO or the User of third-party content, including hyperlinks to other websites, imply neither responsibility for, nor approval of, such content on the part of WIPO. WIPO makes no warranty, either express or implied, as to the legality, accuracy, or availability of such content. 

5.6       WIPO shall not be liable or deemed to be in default for any delays or failure in performance or interruption of the System resulting directly or indirectly from any cause or circumstance beyond its reasonable control.

5.7      The names and the designations used by WIPO on its website and online services do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of WIPO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area.

 

  1. Liability

6.1       The use of the System is at the sole responsibility of the User and WIPO shall not be liable for any consequences of the use of the System or data contained therein. WIPO shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, liquidated, special, punitive or exemplary damages or penalties to the User, including, but not limited to, losses of business, revenue or profits, as a consequence of using the System or data contained therein.

6.2       The User shall assume sole responsibility for the content of data and documents submitted to the System. In particular, WIPO shall not be held liable for any data submitted by Users to the System that may affect or violate any intellectual property right or any other right of third parties.

6.3       The User shall release, defend, indemnify, and hold WIPO harmless from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of or in any way connected with the violation of these Terms of Use.

  1. Modifications of the System

WIPO reserves the right to modify, remove or correct any content of the System at any time, in its sole discretion and without prior notification.

  1. Use of WIPO's Name, Logo or Acronym

8.1       The User does not have the right to use the WIPO name, logo or acronym unless it is specifically authorized by WIPO in writing after having sent a request to WIPO.

8.2       Notwithstanding the above paragraph, the IAP badges may be downloaded from the System and used by IAP beneficiaries and volunteers for promotional purposes, provided that such use is made in accordance with the Guidelines for using WIPO’s seals/badges.

  1. Intellectual Property

The User recognizes that the System, as well as the particular form of compiling data, the presentation and the design of the System, are protected by applicable IP laws.

  1. Personal Data and Privacy

10.1 The User acknowledges that WIPO may use their personal data according to the Personal data and Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.

10.2 WIPO undertakes to process data submitted by Users to the System with due regard to privacy and confidentiality. If the local selection process in the IAP participating country necessitates any sensitive personal or invention information to be provided by the User, it will be handled with confidentiality. Access to any sensitive details is limited to the User providing such details and the IAP country focal point.

  1. Amendments to the Terms of Use

WIPO may amend these Terms of Use at any time at its sole discretion. Any amendments will be posted on WIPO’s website. Unless stated otherwise, amendments shall take effect immediately following posting of the new Terms of Use.

  1. Privileges and Immunities

Nothing in or relating to these Terms of Use shall be deemed or interpreted as a waiver of any privileges and immunities accorded to WIPO as an international organization and specialized agency of the United Nations.

  1. Settlement of Disputes

13.1 Any dispute between WIPO and the User arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use that cannot be resolved amicably shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules then in force. The parties shall be bound by any arbitration award rendered as a result of such arbitration as the final adjudication of such a dispute.

13.2 WIPO shall not have any responsibility or obligation whatsoever with respect to any disputes between the User and a third party or any other User, which may arise in relation to the use of the System.

 

  1. Contact Information

For further information on the System, please contact WIPO.