In a world driven by competition and innovation, intellectual property (IP) plays a major role in the economy and in society by protecting and promoting creations of the mind, such as inventions, trademarks and artistic works. It protects and promotes inventions, innovations, and industrial and commercial creations, helping to drive creativity and technological progress.
Within this system, IP examiners are among the key players safeguarding the integrity and quality of the granting of intellectual property rights (IPRs), such as patents, trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications, around the world, thereby enabling innovation, technology and entrepreneurship to thrive. Each year, they examine, research and assess more than 20 million applications across all sectors, from medicine to agriculture, to determine whether they meet the legal requirements for protection, so that ideas can change the world.
Every minute, 45 IPR applications are filed, each offering new possibilities for inventors, creators and entrepreneurs worldwide.
Thanks to these tireless efforts, the inventions we use every day – our favorite brands, from clothing to cars, the industrial designs in items such as our furniture, and the geographical indications behind products like our morning coffee – are all protected and safeguarded.
It is a considerable responsibility that demands strong technological and legal expertise. To highlight this unique work, the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP) adopted, in December 2024, a project aimed at strengthening the capacity of IP examiners to facilitate IPR registration. This project culminated in a day-long event on 11 November 2025, celebrating their achievements and the role they play in promoting the innovation and creativity ecosystem.
In this context, the National Industrial Property Institute (INAPI) in Algeria launched a competition from 1 to 30 October 2025 on the theme “Together, let’s examine… and protect innovation”.
Participants were invited, through a dedicated online platform, to answer a series of technical questions simulating a real examination and covering topics such as prior art, distinctiveness, novelty, inventive step and classification.
More than 70 people participated, with 32 responses relating to patents and 39 to trademarks.
The competition gave participants a unique opportunity to learn about the examination mechanisms used in the industrial property system.
The competition results were announced at a ceremony on 11 November 2025 at the WIPO Algeria Office, chaired by INAPI Director General Mr. Abdelhafid Belmehdi.
At the ceremony, the top four winners received certificates of achievement, while 10 other participants were awarded symbolic certificates of participation in recognition of their efforts and excellent performance.
The competition and ensuing celebration day highlighted the crucial role of examiners and contributed to strengthening the culture of IP within Algerian society.