On February 12, 2025, in collaboration with the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) and Start:up Slovenia, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) introduced a tailored toolkit to help startups enhance their competitiveness and navigate the complexities of intellectual property (IP).
During the national conference IP as a Key Business Enabler, held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the Slovenian edition of the WIPO IP Diagnostic Tool and the localized publication Enterprising Ideas: A Guide to Intellectual Property (IP) for Startups [PDF] were successfully launched, offering vital resources for Slovenian entrepreneurs.
Highlights from the Conference “IP as a Key Business Enabler”
In her opening remarks, Mag. Karin Žvokelj, Director of SIPO, emphasized that IP is a key driver of business growth, financing, and global market access, especially for startups. She reaffirmed SIPO’s commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to protect and leverage their innovations.
"Intellectual property rights are not just a legal category. They are a growth accelerator, a key to financing, and a ticket to global markets." — Mag. Karin Žvokelj, Director of SIPO
This initiative is part of WIPO's broader commitment to empowering businesses and fostering innovation by providing access to essential IP tools and resources. The conference featured a keynote address from Mr. Guy Pessach, Director of the IP for Business Division at WIPO, who underscored the growing importance of IP as a strategic asset for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He highlighted the crucial role of IP in business success and emphasized the need for startups to integrate IP effectively into their business strategies to minimize risks and maximize value creation. Ms. Sarah Nassar, Associate Program Officer at WIPO, elaborated on WIPO’s suite of programs, materials, and tools designed to support businesses in managing and leveraging their IP assets effectively.
Mag. Matej Rus from Start:up Slovenia summed up: "Understanding intellectual property rights means understanding the future of your company."
Presentation of the Customized WIPO IP Diagnostic Tool
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the WIPO IP Diagnostic Tool, now available in Slovenian. Prof. Dr. Martina Repas from the Faculty of Law at the University of Maribor introduced the customized tool, explaining how it enables local businesses to assess their IP needs in their native language, making it more accessible and effective for Slovenian entrepreneurs.
Presentation of the Customized Guide: Enterprising Ideas: A Guide to IP for Startups
Mag. Matej Rus provided an in-depth presentation of the Slovenian version of Enterprising Ideas: A Guide to IP for Startups [PDF], showcasing it as a comprehensive resource tailored to support startups at every stage of their journey. He emphasized the importance of integrating IP into business strategies early on to mitigate risks and enhance long-term success.
Representatives from startups Remigo, MyCol, and Planet Care joined a panel discussion to share how they protected their innovations, brands, and creative assets, enabling them to successfully establish themselves in international markets.
One-Day IP Workshop for Startups
In conjunction with the conference, IPBD organized a One-day IP Workshop for Startups. Participants received personalized, one-on-one consultations with IP experts, focusing on strategies derived from WIPO’s IP Diagnostic Tool. This interactive session provided practical guidance on key topics such as patent filing, trademark protection, and trade secrets, while also introducing startups to WIPO’s International Registration systems, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Madrid System—especially beneficial for those considering international expansion.
The workshop was enriched by the expertise of Gregor Maček, Managing Partner at ITEM d.o.o., Patent and Trademark Agency, Slovenia, and Marjanca Golmajer Zima, MSc, from Patentna pisarna d.o.o. Their insights were further complemented by the presence and support of SIPO staff, including Samra Šečerović, Undersecretary, and Ms. Barbara Režun, Senior Advisor in the Promotion and International Cooperation Division at SIPO.
The workshop received high praise from participants, many of whom found the personalized support invaluable in shaping their IP strategies. One participant remarked:
"The event and workshop in Slovenia showed that we know less about Intellectual Property than we realize, yet it is more important than ever. A great reminder of why learning and discussion matter." — Marko Gluhak, Director, Mobilica d.o.o
The collaboration between WIPO and SIPO reflects a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Slovenia. This event provided local startups with valuable insights, built IP awareness, and explored strategies to enhance business competitiveness through effective IP management.
