WIPO’s Build Back Fund

WIPO helps member states to address specific challenges post-pandemic through the launch of new, impact-oriented projects leveraging the effective use of intellectual property (IP). A special focus is dedicated to those typically underserved by the IP system such as women, youth, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), local communities and Indigenous Peoples.

WIPO helps member states address specific challenges through targeted and impact-driven projects under the Build Back Fund, leveraging the effective use of intellectual property (IP). A special focus is dedicated to those typically underserved by the IP system such as women, youth, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), local communities and Indigenous Peoples. Ultimately, the Build Back Fund promotes the effective use of IP to positively impact the lives of individuals, communities and economies.

The Build Back Fund was approved by WIPO member states in July 2023 as part of WIPO’s Program of Work and Budget 2024/25 and is a continuation of the COVID-19 Response Package which was launched by WIPO Director General Daren Tang in 2022 to support member states with post-pandemic recovery.

Following the success of the COVID-19 Response Package, WIPO’s new Build Back Fund has been introduced as part of WIPO’s Program of Work and Budget 2024/25. The Build Back Fund ensures the seamless continuity of projects and activities launched under the COVID-19 Response Package, and will continue to address country-specific needs and priorities during the post-pandemic period.

Contact

Member states seeking more information should contact the Build Back Fund Focal Point.

The WIPO IP Acceleration Program

A continuation of the Build Back Fund in 2026/27.

The Build Back Fund in numbers

44 member states benefitted from targeted support across all regions of the world.

30 projects to empower innovators, creators and entrepreneurs across communities.

Projects across 10 IP areas, from IP and tourism and gastronomy to traditional knowledge and collective marks.

Spotlight on projects

WIPO delivers targeted projects through the Build Back Fund, and previously the COVID-19 Response Package, with significant impact, empowering individuals and local communities and small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

IMAGE: Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador

IP and Gastronomic Tourism

WIPO led a regional initiative on IP and gastronomic tourism with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, bringing together the culinary and tourism sectors with a focus on sustainable development and community impact.

A new chapter in honey production with IP

WIPO and the Antigua and Barbuda IP and Commerce Office are helping the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative build a resilient and sustainable future for the local beekeeping industry through collective marks.

Empowering Indigenous Peoples through Uchi CreActivo

Through Uchi CreActivo, WIPO is supporting young people in the Awajún community of Urakusa of Peru to learn about IP in a way that celebrates their culture, explores their traditions, and spark ideas for turning heritage into opportunity. Mentorship is also being used to help the community with commercialization strategies, and the IP office to replicate this innovative model across the country.

Image: Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum

IP and carnival

An IP strategy was developed with the IP office of Trinidad and Tobago to help the Carnival Museum grow and flourish. Tailored workshops and an IP helpdesk were also established through the Carnival Museum for practitioners and artists across the industry to receive guidance and know-how on ways to make a living from their ideas and creativity.

Areas of support

Technical assistance

Tailored support to member states through needs-driven initiatives.

Trilateral cooperation

Access resources at the intersection of IP, health, and trade through the WHO-WIPO-WTO trilateral cooperation.

Policy and legislative assistance

Legislative and policy advice relating to IP, innovation and creativity.

Skills and knowledge development

Practical skills-building and training opportunities offered by the WIPO Academy.

Innovation support

Access to specific policy, decision making and tools through WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs).

IMAGE: ANDREYPOPOV/ ISTOCK/ GETTY IMAGES

Traditional knowledge

Support for Indigenous Peoples, local communities and governments on IP protection for traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions as intangible assets.