WIPO Dialogue on IP and SMEs in Asia and the Pacific Region Held

August 29, 2025

On August 25, the “WIPO Dialogue on IP and SMEs in Asia and the Pacific Region※,” organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was held at the WIPO Singapore Office. The event brought together heads of intellectual property offices and other officials from countries across the Asia-Pacific region to engage in active discussions on the fundamental role of intellectual property in enhancing the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and driving economic growth.

From the Japan Patent Office (JPO), Mr. KITAMURA, Director-General of the Patent and Design Examination Department, participated and delivered opening remarks alongside Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, and Mr. Tan Kong Hwee, Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS). In his address, Mr. KITAMURA emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive intellectual property ecosystem to promote the effective utilization of intellectual property, as well as the critical role of intellectual property offices in its development. The JPO also introduced the startup support program, “VC-IPAS,” which attracted significant attention from participants.

The Japan Patent Office remains committed to international cooperation to ensure that enterprises can leverage intellectual property internationally and further expand their business activities.

* This event was partially supported by the Funds-in-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global, a voluntary contribution from Japan to WIPO.

Opening remarks by Mr. KITAMURA, Director-General of the Patent and Design Examination Department (from left: Mr. KITAMURA (JPO), Mr. Tan Kong Hwee (IPOS), Mr. Daren Tang (WIPO))

Event participants

[Last updated 29 Augast 2025]