AIPO Joins Global Innovators at the 2025 IAP Best Practice Summit

On September 16–17, 2025, Ms. Vanessa E. Malapit, Head of the Protection and Education Group of the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), represented Ateneo de Manila University at the Inventor Assistance Program (IAP) Best Practice Summit 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

She was part of the Philippine delegation alongside Dindo O. Dumali, IP Rights Specialist IV at IPOPHL–DITTB and IAP focal person, and the country’s IAP beneficiaries—Dr. Lizah Dorao-Pascual, inventor of a nerve-regenerating technology, and Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon, creator of the award-winning Pili Seal. Both beneficiaries shared how the IAP helped their innovations grow and gain global recognition.

Image: From left: The Philippine delegation—Mr. Dindo O. Dumali, Dr. Lizah Dorao-Pascual, Ms. Vanessa E. Malapit, and Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon—together with an international beneficiary and WIPO Director Andrew Michael Ong

The Summit, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with support from the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global, gathered inventors, volunteers, and beneficiaries from around the world to celebrate the IAP’s 10th anniversary. Discussions focused on expanding access to patent protection, improving local IP support systems, and highlighting national best practices.

The event opened with remarks from Mr. Marco M. Alemán, Assistant Director General of WIPO’s IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector, and Mr. David J. Kappos, Chair of the IAP Steering Committee. This was followed by program updates from Ms. Allison Mages, Head of WIPO’s IP Commercialization Section, who also moderated a session on strengthening local implementation of the IAP.

Representatives from Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, and Peru delivered country presentations showcasing their best practices, followed by presentations from the Philippines, Singapore, and South Africa. A Q&A session allowed participants to exchange insights and explore unique challenges and opportunities in their respective IP ecosystems.

Roundtable discussions brought together volunteers and beneficiaries to reflect on their experiences. They discussed program benefits, identified growth opportunities, and proposed recommendations for improving IAP implementation. During these discussions, Ms. Malapit shared her insights as a volunteer and as head of AIPO’s Protection and Education Group. She received a Certificate of Volunteer Recognition from WIPO in acknowledgment of her service.

Image: Ms. Malapit receiving her IAP Certificate of Volunteer Recognition

The first day concluded with keynote sessions on inclusive innovation, pathways to growth, and affordability of patent protection, followed by a networking reception.

The second day featured sessions on drafting skills, patent drafting clinics, mentorship programs, and collaborative workshops that explored key areas such as commercialization and in-country support for IAP beneficiaries, the affordability and accessibility of patent protection, and the strengthening of innovation capabilities and outreach to inventors.

Participants shared effective strategies from their respective countries, reinforcing a collective commitment to strengthening global support for inventors.

Image: Delegates, organizers, and representatives of the Inventor Assistance Program during the IAP Best Practice Summit 2025. Photo shared by WIPO.

Ms. Malapit extends her gratitude to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for nominating her to participate in the event and for its continued support and partnership with the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office. AIPO’s presence at the Summit reinforces Ateneo de Manila University’s commitment to advancing inclusive innovation and supporting Filipino inventors—continuing to take intellectual property rights beyond Loyola and onto the global stage.