38 participants from 29 countries took part in the 2025 edition of WIPO’s International Patent Drafting Training Program (IPDTP), an eight-month course consisting of three phases (Phase 1: Drafting Basics; Phase 2: Geneva Workshop; Phase 3: Mentoring) and a Final Evaluation, strengthening practical patent drafting capacity for professionals who support innovators—particularly in countries with a limited number of patent attorneys and agents. The program was supported by the Funds-In-Trust Japan IP Global (FIT/Japan), which provided scholarships to enable broader participation.
Practical drafting training: from fundamentals to advanced claim work
After completing a 10-week distance learning segment on the basics of patent drafting, participants met in person in Geneva from June 23 to 27, 2025 to enhance technology-relevant drafting skills and compare approaches used in different jurisdictions. The workshop emphasized practical work on drafting claims that maximize value for clients, with close guidance from leading experts and techniques not typically found in textbooks or guidelines.
As part of this effort to broaden access, 10 out of 38 participants received the scholarships from FIT/Japan IP Global, enabling them to attend the in-person training.
Extending learning through online mentoring
Following the in-person workshop held in Geneva, participants continued with a three-months online mentoring Phase from July to October 2025. During this period the participants faced four exercises of growing difficulty in the craft of patent drafting, which also helped them prepare for the final exam that participants must take at the end of the course.
The participant’s testimonial reflected the program's transformative impact.
“This wasn't just a course - it was a deep dive into the nuances of crafting patent applications for the international stage. I'm excited to apply this precise, global perspective to help secure and scale innovation.”
Ms. Josephine Mwafuka, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Zimbabwe.