Empowering SMEs in Thailand: WIPO's IP Management Clinic Spurs Innovation and Strategic Growth
10 Apr 2025
Thailand
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On March 10–13, 2025, the WIPO IP for Business Division (IPBD) and the WIPO Singapore Office, in collaboration with the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), the Federation of Thai Industries, and the National Innovation Agency (NIA), successfully launched the IP Management Clinic (IPMC) in Bangkok. Funded by the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global, the program supported 50 SMEs from the Food & Beverage, Creative, and Health sectors.
Opening remarks by representatives from WIPO, DIP, and NIA emphasized the importance of IP and intangible asset management in today’s innovation-driven economy. The initiative aimed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools to develop IP strategies for growth, competitiveness, and international expansion.
This year’s edition introduced new interactive elements, notably a dynamic strategy game simulating real-world IP decisions. Participants, guided by expert facilitators, navigated strategic choices under budget constraints to deepen their understanding of IP applications in business contexts.
Participants attended expert-led sessions and panel discussions featuring prominent IP professionals and government officials. Following the workshop, 24 SMEs were selected for personalized mentoring. These sessions addressed specific IP challenges such as licensing, international trademark protection, commercialization pathways, and asset differentiation—ranging from dietary supplements to medical devices and gaming content.
By the end of the initial engagement, participants reported enhanced clarity on IP as a strategic asset. The program’s long-term impact will continue through August 2025, with ongoing mentoring sessions helping SMEs implement and refine their IP strategies. This initiative not only empowered Thai SMEs with practical IP knowledge, but also fostered a culture of innovation, aligning intellectual property strategy with sustainable business growth in a global marketplace.
If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters in Thailand, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].