WIPO launches Global Awards program - small and medium-sized enterprises to be awarded in the first round

Mostar, December 17, 2021 – World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched new program titled Global Awards (www.wipo.int/global-awards) to recognize exceptional enterprises and individuals using intellectual property (IP) for positive impact both at home and abroad.

The first round of awards will recognize small and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, with the winners to be announced next July. SMEs are the largest business sector in many countries and a lively and innovative SME sector is critical to economic growth and national development. Other categories of awardees, like women and youth, will follow in subsequent years, WIPO announced.

Any SME from a WIPO Member State may apply for the award till March 14, 2022, after which an independent panel of eminent individuals will select five winners. The judges' criteria will include successful commercialization of IP, positive social impact, and consideration of regional and other diversity.

Submissions should be sent via the online form in one of the six UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish).

Participants should explain in particular how the IP is used to leverage corporate success, including the economic/social/cultural impact, and the efforts made to promote gender equality and deal with development challenges.

As announced by WIPO, this new effort is an expression of the Organization's Medium Term Strategic Plan, which seeks to create a world where innovation and creativity from anywhere is supported by intellectual property for the good of everyone.

The first group of winners will be invited to WIPO to receive their prizes during the July 15-22, 2022, WIPO Assemblies.