Paris, June 2025 – The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) participated in VivaTech 2025, Europe’s largest startup and tech event, as part of its mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses unlock the value of intellectual property (IP).
The IP for Business Division (IPBD) engaged with founders, accelerators, ecosystem builders, and policymakers to promote accessible, practical IP tools for startups and SMEs. WIPO’s presence included a dynamic stand, live demonstrations of IP tools, and tailored consultations with early-stage companies looking to integrate IP into their business strategy.
Supporting Startups through Strategic IP Mentoring: One-Day IP Workshop for Startups
A key highlight of WIPO’s presence was the conduct of a One-Day IP Workshop for Startups, where we offered tailored one-on-one IP mentoring sessions to a diverse group of high-potential startups and scale-ups across MedTech, AI, EdTech, Fashion and sustainable innovation.
These sessions were part of WIPO’s commitment to help entrepreneurs integrate IP into their business strategy from the ground up. With support from IP experts, the startups received practical, targeted advice on key issues including:
- Strategic filing and international expansion of patents and trademarks
- Managing IP in software development and digital assets
- Timing disclosures and scope to protect novelty and maintain competitive edge
- Structuring IP ownership and optimizing IP tax regimes across entities and jurisdictions
- Strengthening investor appeal through IP-based value creation
In addition to individual mentoring, participants also gained hands-on training with WIPO’s IP for Business tools and were provided exclusive access to experts from the Madrid, PCT, and Hague Registries, enabling them to shape and refine international expansion plans directly with the people behind these systems.
These interactions quickly led to concrete actions: some startups revised their filing strategies, others moved to secure trade secrets and inventions through NDAs or Soleau envelopes, and several took steps to better structure IP ownership in anticipation of funding rounds or future exits. For instance, one AI startup clarified how to protect its disinformation detection technology, while a health tech company was able to safely time its product launch without jeopardizing patentability.
We also extended invitations to selected participants to join WIPO’s IP Management Clinic Program, offering in-depth follow-up and sector-specific strategic IP guidance.
Above all, this initiative showed how the right IP advice at the right time can empower entrepreneurs, open new opportunities, and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth. It was a true team effort, placing startups and their ideas at the heart of WIPO’s mission.
The mentoring session helped me refining my IP strategy. It provided clear insights into how to strategically leverage patent protections and IP rights across national, EU, and international levels. This guidance is crucial for maximizing the value and commercial potential of our ongoing IP and patent applications. The session made complex legal frameworks easy to grasp.
Jose Ospina, Founder and CEO of WAVF (Cybersecurity, Defense, and Deeptech), alongside IP experts Alexandre Lebkiri and IPBD Director Guy Pessach during his mentoring session
Strengthening Ecosystems: MoU Signing with INPI and CPCCAF
Signature of the MoU, from the left, Mr. Christophe Eken, President of CPCCAF; Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, H.E. Mr. Thani Mohamed Soilihi and Mr. Pascal Faure, Director General of INPI
As part of its VivaTech presence, WIPO also participated in the signature of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INPI (France’s National IP Office) and the CPCCAF (Permanent Conference of African and Francophone Consular Chambers and Organizations).
The ceremony was hosted at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs by the Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Mr. Thani Mohamed Soilihi.
This agreement aims to boost IP access and capacity among Francophone SMEs, in collaboration with chambers of commerce, artisan networks, and business support institutions.
Learn More
- More information on WIPO’s IP for Business tools and ongoing support to startups and SMEs