Official Closing of the IP Management Clinic in Bangladesh - WIPO
11-May-2026
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Source : The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
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Visits : 174
DHAKA - The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), through its IP for Business Division (IPBD), in cooperation with the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT), Ministry of Industries of Bangladesh, and with the support of Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global), successfully organized the closing event of the WIPO Intellectual Property Management Clinic (IPMC): Leveraging IP for Business Growth and Globalization in Dhaka, Bangladesh, according to the official website of WIPO.
The Bangladesh IPMC was the first edition of the program in the country and formed part of WIPO’s Graduation Support Package accompanying Bangladesh’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. The initiative aimed to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem and equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with practical tools to strategically use intellectual property (IP) for competitiveness, commercialization, and international growth.
Implemented over several months, the program combined three bootcamp phases, one-on-one mentoring, tailored IP strategy guidance, and a final public showcase event for 20 selected SMEs operating in sectors such as agribusiness, fashion, creative industries, software, AI, leather goods, and sustainable manufacturing.
Turning IP Knowledge into Business Strategy
The first day of the event brought together entrepreneurs, IP professionals, business leaders, and institutional stakeholders for an intensive workshop focused on how SMEs can better identify, protect, and leverage their intangible assets.
Sessions covered intellectual property as a business asset, common IP challenges faced by Bangladeshi SMEs, and practical strategies for growth and market expansion. Bangladeshi business leaders also shared real-life experiences on integrating IP into their business models to foster innovation and strengthen competitiveness.
A highlight of the workshop was an interactive game-based strategy session led by WIPO, where participants worked in teams to solve simulated business scenarios involving trademarks, patents, trade secrets, product launches, and market expansion decisions.
The exercise encouraged peer learning and helped participants translate legal concepts into practical commercial decisions.
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Progress
The second day served as the official closing ceremony of the Bangladesh IPMC and featured high-level participation from representatives of the Government of Bangladesh, DPDT, and WIPO. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Md. Toufiqur-Rahman, Director General (MEA Wing), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. A.H.M. Jahangir, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division; Mr. Md. Nuruzzaman, Director General (Additional Charge), Bangladesh Institute of Management; Mr. Md Obaidur Rahman, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Industries; Mr. Md. Jahangir Hossain, Director General, DPDT; and Ms. Sarah Nassar, Associate Program Officer, IP for Business Division, WIPO.
Participating companies and experts shared testimonies on the impact of the program, highlighting stronger awareness of brand value, increased confidence in filing IP rights, clearer growth strategies, and improved readiness for commercialization partnerships.
Certificates were awarded to participating enterprises in recognition of their successful completion of the program.
The event concluded with an exhibition of products and services developed by participating SMEs, showcasing the diversity, creativity, and commercial potential of Bangladeshi entrepreneurship.
Strengthening Bangladesh’s Innovation Ecosystem
The Bangladesh IPMC demonstrated the value of positioning intellectual property as a strategic business tool rather than solely a legal function. By combining policy engagement, practical training, mentoring, and public recognition, the initiative contributed to strengthening the capacity of Bangladeshi SMEs to compete in an increasingly intangible and global economy.