From September 20 to 24, 2026, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in partnership with the Algerian National Industrial Property Institute (INAPI), and with financial support from Japan Funds-In-Trust, hosted senior officials from the Djibouti Industrial and Commercial Property Office (ODPIC) in Algiers as part of the “Strengthening Patent Examination Capacity through South-South Cooperation” program.
This initiative responds to a request from ODPIC, which is preparing to implement the substantive examination of patent applications. It thus enables ODPIC senior officials to benefit from INAPI’s experience and expertise, particularly by observing its practices and procedures.
A practice-oriented program
During this week-long training session, participants gained a deeper understanding of the various stages of patent application processing, including an analysis of the regulatory frameworks in Algeria and Djibouti, filing procedures, prior art searches, examination of applications, handling of appeals, and use of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system.
The program also combined case studies, hands-on exercises, and discussions with INAPI experts. Visits to innovation support organizations, including the network of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs), complemented this immersive experience.
This week-long training program also included a visit to the TISC at Houari Boumediene University of Science and Technology (USTHB), as well as a working session with the pilot TISC of INAPI.
Experience sharing in support of institutions
Beyond the technical aspect, this initiative illustrates the value of South-South cooperation in capacity building and strengthening intellectual property (IP) institutions.
By sharing its expertise with ODPIC, INAPI is helping to promote the transfer of practices and methods tailored to the needs of its Djiboutian counterpart. This dynamic forms part of WIPO’s work to promote knowledge sharing, disseminate good practices and develop national IP ecosystems.
It also demonstrates the support provided by Japan, through its WIPO-administered Fund-in-Trust, for initiatives aimed at strengthening IP capacities in developing countries.
Cooperation for innovation
By bringing together WIPO, INAPI and ODPIC under a program based on training, practical experience, and the sharing of experiences, this initiative helps strengthen ties between the IP institutions of Algeria and Djibouti.
It thus serves as a concrete example of how international and South-South cooperation can promote the transfer of technical expertise, support institutional development, and contribute to the establishment of IP systems that foster innovation and economic development.
