IPOS, SBF tie up to help Singapore firms improve IP management

THE Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) have partnered for the Workforce for IP-Savvy Enterprises (Wise) initiative.

Wise is a pilot programme to help Singapore enterprises identify new business opportunities and acquire new capabilities through intellectual property (IP), as part of efforts to help companies emerge stronger from the Covid-19 pandemic, both parties said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

The programme will help companies to build human resources capabilities to hire, nurture and optimise IP talents in their companies.

Next, it will assist in forming business development capabilities through online IP courses and consultation to identify potential new opportunities. This includes up to four modules with 15 hours of blended online and classroom learning each, as well as one free consultation session with IP professionals.

Lastly, the programme will help create networks and knowledge on IP at IPOS and SBF's flagship events by giving free access to IPOS's virtual IP Week @ SG and SBF's Future Economy Conference and Exhibition.

IPOS and SBF said several companies in the manufacturing, information communication and education sectors have been involved with Wise since April 2020. These companies will complete their journey in the third quarter of 2020.

The Wise initiative is part of an ongoing partnership between IPOS and SBF. On Monday, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to raise awareness and knowledge of IP as a value-creator; build capacity and provide training for Singapore firms; help companies access a suite of IP services; share IP content; conduct joint research and studies; as well as help companies take their IP abroad.

IPOS chief executive Rena Lee said amid the pandemic, IP may not be the top priority for some business owners.

"We hope to change this mindset and help businesses realise that a robust IP management strategy can improve cash flow, grow new business revenue streams and reduce exposure to costly litigation due to IP infringements," she said.

During the opening of IP Week @ SG 2020, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong said IPOS will roll out more initiatives to help businesses use IP to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic.

These initiatives will speed up registration for trademarks and registered designs; expand the features of IPOS's trademark registration app to include search functions for domain names and social media account names and build IP mediation experience among youth.