WIPO Global Awards 2024

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has opened its 2024 Global Awards competition

The awards aim to encourage the commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) by showcasing the best examples of using IP to achieve business goals, generate income, create jobs, address local and global challenges, and support community and national development.

This year's awards welcome applications from small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and startups located in one of WIPO's 193 Member States.

Eligibility for SMEs

To be eligible, an SME must be a registered business entity and:

• have fewer than 300 employees and up to 15 US$ million in total annual sales
• be a holder of at least one registered IP right
• be exporting its products or services to at least one country

Eligibility for startups

Startups must be registered businesses with a legal existence of three years or less, and:

• have no more than 50 employees
• have an innovative product or service associated with IP rights
• have submitted at least one application for IP right registration or hold at least one registered IP right
• be affiliated with a business support organisation (eg incubator, accelerator, or similar)
• have at least one commercial customer, a business sale, and/or secured investor

Applications using all forms of IP rights, ranging from patents and trademarks to industrial designs and copyright, are welcome.

An independent jury will select up to seven winners based on a range of criteria, including:

• commercialisation of - or the potential to commercialise - IP assets
• the company's positive contribution to society
• diversity and inclusiveness

Winners will receive international recognition and a tailored 1:1 mentoring package to support their IP strategies, including fundraising, partnership opportunities, publicity support and more. Winners will also be invited to attend an awards ceremony at WIPO's Geneva headquarters in July 2024.

How to apply

Businesses across all industry sectors, regardless of geographical location, that meet the application criteria, can submit entries online.

Find out more about the WIPO's Global Awards competition.

First published 18 January 2024