Intellectual Property (IP) protection and trade marks
Answer
Useful links
The website of the World Intellectual Property Organisation contains a good deal of useful information about the different forms of intellectual property protection, and advice on using them. Much of the information is free, some is in the form of reports and guidance available for sale from the WIPO bookshop. A good starting point is the section on resources for innovators, which includes a directory of national IP offices as well as information tailored for SMEs.
- Directory of national IP offices lists the contact details of national copyright and industrial property offices worldwide.
- PatentScope is WIPO’s portal to patent-related information, including: Services for PCT Applicants for individuals or businesses wishing to file an international patent application; and Patent and Technical Information for online access to databases of patent data.
- The Hague System offers resources for those interested in registering an industrial design in several countries; as well as access to online databases.
- The Madrid System offers resources for those seeking trademark protection in multiple countries through a single application; and access to trademark databases.
- WIPO Awards offer recognition to inventors, innovators, designers, creators and innovative companies, based on competitions or exhibitions run by national organizations in cooperation with WIPO.
- Meetings by topic provides details of recent and forthcoming WIPO meetings, conferences and seminars, listed by topic.
- E-Bookshop and Free Information Products offer an extensive range of WIPO guides, handbooks and other publications, which can be browsed by subject matter or by publication type.
- SMEs site contains resources tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, including guides, case studies and articles, focussing on protection, commercialization and licensing of IP.
- Directory of inventors’ associations lists support organizations for inventors and innovators by country.
- The WIPO University Initiative program helps promote the understanding and use of IP among universities and research institutions.
- WIPO Information Center is a visitor center, offering information materials and exhibitions on IP.
