WIPO Inventor Assistance Programme (IAP)

The IAP offers pro bono patent protection services to under-resourced inventors and small businesses in Singapore, learn about the criteria for application.

Last updated 26 March 2025

Singapore Chapter

A World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) initiative, the Singapore chapter of the IAP aims to support young inventors (aged 18-35) in Singapore to transform their innovation into commercial assets by matching selected beneficiaries with a volunteer patent attorney or agent to help them navigate the patent system.

Join the programme* and access a network of patent drafting and prosecution services that will be provided on a pro-bono basis to beneficiaries in Singapore.

Singapore is the eighth country in the world to launch the IAP, which is currently active in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, and South Africa. See more information on the IAP around the world.

Still unsure or have further queries on this programme? Please refer to the FAQs below or contact us at IP_skills@ipos.gov.sg.

*Note: This pilot programme is subject to an annual quota of beneficiaries, and does not cover any official fees (e.g. filing fees). Please refer to the list of the official fees.

IAP Online Platform

Benefits

Pro-bono expert guidance on your IP journey
You will be eligible for pro-bono advice and services for patents, including:
1. Patent drafting
2. Patent prosecution
Customised support based on your area of invention

You will be matched to a volunteer patent attorney that best suits the technical area of your invention. This will help you understand and better navigate the challenges that are specific to your invention.
Strategic advice for future expansion
Tap on this programme to also receive expert guidance on forward planning for your invention, such as patenting in other territories and/or future inventions.

Still unsure or have further queries on this programme? Please refer to the FAQs below or contact us at IP_skills@ipos.gov.sg.

How to apply

Application: Interested applicants apply via WIPO’s IAP online platform.
Assessment: IPOS will conduct a preliminary assessment on all submissions. Eligible applications will be submitted to the National Screening Board, comprising ASPA (Association of Singapore Patent Attorneys) and IPOS Society for further evaluation. Candidates may be required to submit additional information regarding their invention and/or eligibility.
Selection: The National Screening Board will select beneficiaries. Candidates will be informed of the final decision via email.
Specialist Matching: Successful candidates will be matched with a volunteer patent specialist based on the technical area of invention.
Collaboration: Candidates can set up their first meeting with their assigned patent specialist to work on their patent strategy. The patent specialist will help advice the beneficiary on navigating the patent application process.
Moving forward: Candidates can further discussions of seeking patent protection internationally with their assigned patent specialist.

Still unsure or have further queries on this programme? Please refer to the FAQs below or contact us at IP_skills@ipos.gov.sg.

Who can apply

The applicant should:

Be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident; 18 to 35 years old;
Be a full-time student in an approved education institution [PDF, 105 KB] and not be on any full-time work arrangements;
Be able to prove that they own the rights to the invention;
Not have previously engaged a patent attorney/agent for the filing of any invention;
Be aware that their invention, at face value, is novel, meets patentability requirements; and
Complete a compulsory Learning Module¹ to demonstrate basic knowledge of the patent system before access to the IAP online application form is granted.

This eligibility criteria is applicable to the applicant and all inventors listed in the IAP application at the time of submission.

Beneficiaries to the IAP scheme, following up on the filing of a patent application should note that the patent application should reflect the same name(s) or a sub-set of the names as listed in their IAP application.

Still unsure or have further queries on this programme? Please refer to the FAQs below or contact us at IP_skills@ipos.gov.sg.

¹The Module, which consists of two parts and takes around 30-45 minutes to complete, will introduce the key aspects of patents and patenting process, as well as the benefits of pro bono legal services and the IAP.