Inventor Assistance Program (IAP) – CIPC & WIPO

📌 About the Opportunity:

The Inventor Assistance Program (IAP) is a joint initiative by WIPO and CIPC, offering free pro bono support to South African inventors and small businesses. Through this program, eligible inventors are matched with volunteer patent professionals to help protect their inventions via patents or designs—all at no cost

🌟 Benefits:

• Access to free legal & technical support for patent/design applications

• Guidance through the IP system by experienced patent attorneys

• Increased chance of submitting a strong, grantable IP application

• Can lead to commercialisation, investor interest, and scaling 

✅ Who Can Apply:

• South African residents with new inventions or product designs

• Under-resourced inventors and SMEs requiring IP assistance

• Eligibility includes participation in the IAP learning module and meeting basic income thresholds

📝 How It Works

1. Register on the official IAP platform (WIPO/CIPC)

2. Complete the online learning module and application form

3. If approved, you'll be matched with a volunteer patent expert

4. Benefit from pro bono assistance through the patent process

How to Apply:

Please use the WIPO link below to apply online:

 iap.wipo.int/iap/

For more information, please click on the link below:

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY | CIPC

Contact Details:

CIPC

email: iapsa@cipc.co.za  Tel: 086 100 2472

WIPO (Global Headquarters)

Tel: +41 22 338 9111