WIPO GLOBAL AWARDS 2023

The 2023 annual competition for the WIPO Global Awards is searching for exceptional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of creators, inventors, and designers that are making smart use of intellectual property rights to achieve their business goals while also harnessing their innovation and creativity for the good of society.

The application period for the 2023 competition will run from January 16 to March 31. It is open to SMEs from around the world, active in all sectors of the economy – be that technology, agriculture, the creative industries or beyond. We welcome applications using all forms of IP, ranging from copyright, to trademarks, patents, and geographical indications.

WIPO Global Awards invites applicants for the 2023 competition

WIPO Global Awards 2023 Competition Entry

The deadline for submissions is March 31.

Who can apply to the WIPO Global Awards?

The competition is open to SMEs in WIPO’s 193 Member States. Pursuant to the definition of the World Bank, SMEs are those “enterprises that encompass up to 300 employees and up to 15 US$ millions of total annual sales”.

Get inspired by the 2022 edition

Why apply to the WIPO Global Awards?

Not only does participating give the opportunity for international promotion, winners get to attend the awards ceremony and are accompanied through a tailored mentorship program.

WIPO Global Awards 2022 winners and jurors with WIPO Director General

Evaluation criteria for the WIPO Global Awards

Successful commercialization of IP

The SME demonstrate an understanding and ability to use IP rights (or a combination of such rights) to protect, manage, and commercialize innovative products, services, and/or creative content as well as other intangible assets such as data, to achieve business and/or corporate objectives beyond their home country.

Positive contribution on society

The SME’s existing/potential positive contribution at the economic, social, and cultural levels, including but not limited to issues of environment, inclusiveness, and gender.

Diversity of the award contenders

In the selection process, the jury will follow an approach that upholds inclusiveness and diversity related to geographical representation and level of development of country of origin of the contenders.

Application and selection process of the WIPO Global Awards

The process includes four different stages:

1. Application period
January 16, 2023 to March 31, 2023

Apply through the online form available in the six UN official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish).

Participants should explain in particular how they have used IP rights to leverage corporate success, including the economic/social/cultural contribution, and the efforts made to promote gender equality and development challenges.

Helpful tips:

Sharing of confidential information is not required.
Best if completed by the CEO and/or management head of the enterprise.
Create a short video pitching your nomination.

2. Shortlisting of nominees
May 2023

The WIPO Secretariat will draw a shortlist of up to 20 nominees from all applications received on time.

The 20 nominees will be announced on the WIPO media outlets to provide recognition and visibility.

3. Jury selection of winners
June 2023

WIPO assembles an international jury of high-level personalities renowned for their achievement on the global scene, with knowledge of IP, representing various fields from technology, business, creative industries, investment, and innovation.

The international jury will select up to 7 winners. Winners will be notified directly to make further arrangements.

Meet the jury

4. Awards Ceremony in Geneva
July 2023

Official announcement of the winners.

The winners, members of the jury, sponsors, mentors and other high level participants will be invited to join the Awards Ceremony in Geneva, to be held as a special event of the WIPO General Assembly in July 2023.

WIPO GLOBAL AWARDS 2023