Responding to the growing need of local businesses and SMEs to use intellectual property (IP), ICC has launched an online toolkit and pilot training program for chambers of commerce on this rapidly-evolving field. 

Chambers will be able to access an IP resource bank and support materials prepared by ICC’s Commission on Intellectual Property. For chambers looking to set up IP programmes , the website lists descriptions of more than 40 chamber IP programmes across the developed and developing world, from Spain to Sri Lanka.

Chambers can learn about IP programs launched by their counterparts and ICC National Committees, ranging from IP consultancy services and newsletters to policy advocacy and how to set up seminars. To obtain more information, contact details are provided for each chamber IP program

Also just a click away are the following support materials:  examples of IP guides for businesses; links to IP resources, including the World Intellectual Property Organization; the ICC initiative, Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP); and ICC’s full range of IP publications, including a roadmap on current and emerging IP issues.

ICC’s Commission on Intellectual Property and the World Chambers Federation jointly developed the toolkit.

In the new global economy, intellectual property is a driving force for growth and a tool to boost competitiveness - for companies and countries alike. “This is a stellar opportunity for chambers to network and learn from the experience of others,” said Pere Vicens, Chair, ICC’s Commission on IP and Vice Chair, Steering Committee, World Chambers Federation.

To help chambers develop IP programs, ICC along with WIPO is also launching an IP training program, 15 and 16 September at WIPO headquarters in Geneva. A second course will be offered later on to chambers in Latin America.

“This commitment to grow the IP expertise of chambers should be especially beneficial in the developing world, where more and more countries are recognizing intellectual property must be safeguarded to grow and expand innovation-based businesses locally,” said Peter Siemsen, Vice Chair of ICC’s Commission on IP and Senior Partner, Dannemann, Siemsen, Bigler and Ipanema Moreira law firm, Brazil.

In the creation of its IP online toolkit ICC also drew from its network of IP experts and representatives from chamber of commerce in all regions.

To view ICC's intellectual property tool-kit for chambers of commerce, please  click here