The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) of Indonesia's Ministry of Law with support from the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global), successfully concluded the WIPO–ASEAN Scaled-up IP Management Clinic (IPMC): Leveraging IP for Business Growth and Globalization in Semarang, Central Java.
The four-day program, held at the Ministry of Law Regional Office for Central Java Province brought together over 70 representatives from Indonesian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. Twenty carefully selected companies also participated in intensive one-on-one mentoring sessions with IP and business experts from WIPO and DGIP.
Empowering Indonesian Businesses Through IP
The Semarang clinic forms part of a broader, long-standing cooperation between WIPO and Indonesia. Since 2023, the two partners have implemented a series of IP management programs in Bandung, Jakarta, and Surabaya, together reaching over 200 beneficiaries. The Semarang edition built on this momentum, targeting the city's diverse industrial base — spanning manufacturing, food and beverage, creative industries, crafts, batik, agritech, and technology startups.
"Businesses that strategize through IP perform better — locally, online, and globally," said Mr. Guy Pessach, Director of WIPO's IP for Business Division (IPBD), in his opening remarks. "They minimize risks, maximize revenues, and position themselves for sustainable growth." While Mr. Kazutoshi Inoue, JICA Expert to the DGIP from JPO highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs and startups through intellectual property, noting that such support fosters innovation and contributes to sustainable economic growth.
From Awareness to Action
The program combined plenary sessions, panel discussions featuring prominent Indonesian business leaders, an interactive IP strategy simulation game, and personalized deep-dive mentoring. Participants learned to identify, map, and protect their intangible assets — from trademarks, patents, and industrial designs to trade secrets and copyright — and to connect IP strategy with broader business planning, investment readiness, and market expansion.
A panel discussion moderated by WIPO's Ms. Sarah Nassar featured entrepreneurs across sectors, including a medical device inventor from RSUP Dr. Kariadi hospital, a representative of Pura Group — Indonesia's most-patented company — and Ms. Syanaz Nadya Winanto, founder of artisan leather bag brand Rorokenes and a graduate of a previous IPMC edition. Her participation as both a panelist and a program alumna illustrated the tangible impact of WIPO's sustained engagement in the region.
Personalized Mentoring for High-Impact Businesses
The program's core consisted of 90-minute one-on-one mentoring sessions conducted over three days, covering companies across key sectors: eco-design crafts, batik and fashion, food and culinary products, medical devices, electronics, and AIoT ventures. Each company left with a clearer understanding of its IP priorities and an actionable roadmap tailored to its stage of development.
Common areas of guidance included asset mapping and valuation, IP ownership arrangements with employees and partners, portfolio development, licensing and commercialization pathways, and strategies for regional and international market entry. Online follow-up consultations are planned through September 2026 to support companies as they implement their IP strategies.
Looking Ahead
On the sidelines of the clinic, WIPO's IPBD held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Yasmon, Director of Cooperation, Empowerment, and Education at DGIP, to discuss the deepening of the WIPO–Indonesia partnership. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to the regional IPMC approach, with the next edition planned for early 2027. The meeting also explored collaboration under the Indonesia IP Expo 2027, including the potential establishment of a WIPO booth and a WIPO IP Business Center.
We have seen entrepreneurs turn intellectual property into a driver of growth. For them, IP is the bridge from invention to investment, from creativity to commercial success.
Mr. Guy Pessach, Director of WIPO's IP for Business Division (IPBD),