Apply now: IP management clinic for sustainable fashion

February 28, 2022

Do you work in sustainable fashion and find intellectual property (IP) management challenging? Join a support program co-organized by WIPO GREEN and the IP for business team to learn more about Sustainable Fashion and utilization of IP in this area.

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PHOTO: ALDOMURILLO/E+/GETTYIMAGES

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is working to improve the understanding of IP management throughout the innovation process. Bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, we aim to discuss how enterprises can better utilize IP as part of their business strategies, reduce risks and increase their competitiveness.

This year’s program will focus on sustainable fashion and the utilization of IP in this area. IP is a core asset to the fashion business and the industry has a large environmental impact. Production in the textile and clothing sector uses high levels of raw materials, water, energy and chemicals and often generates air, water and soil pollution, which can have a big impact on the environment. Developing greener and more sustainable textile and clothing production will only grow in importance.

Today the world textile and clothing sector remains a small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs)-based industry. WIPO is joining efforts to help SMEs to develop textiles from more sustainable sources as well as to develop solutions to reduce pollution, water use and carbon emissions associated with the fashion industry. We will discuss sustainable approaches developed and adopted by textile and clothing companies across the world.

What will you gain?

The selected company will benefit from a four-month program including personalized, one-on-one expert advice on IP management strategies and guidance on how the IP system can be used to make their products more competitive on the market. Business questions raised during the program will also be discussed.

The program will also provide opportunities for interactions and collaborations amongst peers to strengthen networks. The program will conclude in July with a public event open to external stakeholders, designed to foster the entrepreneurs’ visibility and will include presentations by the selected companies to showcase their business and IP strategies, as well as their challenges in this respect.

How to participate

To participate, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

  • The company possesses an innovative green product or technology and a clear business model
  • The companies product or technology is relevant to the fashion industry
  • The company possesses at least one registered IP right
  • The company has an entrepreneurial team (a minimum of 3 people)
  • The companies technology is listed on the WIPO GREEN database (completely free of charge)
  • The company must provide non-confidential information on their product/technology, business model and industry
  • The companies entrepreneurial team must have a good command of the English language
  • The companies must join the online workshops

Deadline and schedule

To participate, applicants must send the link to their WIPO GREEN database entry and the completed questionnaire DOC, questionnaire ip management clinic to wipo.green@wipo.int by March 27, 2022 and indicate IP 4 Fashion_Submission by (Name of Applicant/their org/company) in the subject line.

WIPO will assess applications and select a limited number of companies for the program. The selection announcement and launch of the program will take place at the beginning of April 2022.

The program’s duration will be up to four months.

About WIPO GREEN

WIPO GREEN is a global marketplace for sustainable technology, supporting global efforts to address climate change. Through its online database and regional activities, WIPO GREEN connects green tech seekers and providers in order to catalyze green innovation and accelerate green tech transfer and diffusion. Subscribe to the monthly WIPO GREEN newsletter.

About IP for Business

The IP for Business Division (IPBD) is responsible for developing tools and services and implementing programs to support enterprises maximize their potential through intellectual property. The division works with SME support institutions and other intermediaries and supports the development of innovation ecosystems, including by helping inventors access the patent system and developing the patent drafting profession.