WIPO organized the Head of Intellectual Property Office Conference (HIPOC) for Pacific Island countries in collaboration with the Tonga Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, with support from Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global, in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, from May 15 to 20, 2025, aimed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and foster a whole-of-government approach to IP.
Empowering SMEs with Intellectual Property
The week began with the IP Management Clinic for SMEs Program (IPMC) on May 15-16. This intensive program provided practical, tailored guidance to select Tongan SMEs, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies to leverage their IP assets effectively. WIPO and experts offered individualized feedback and support, helping these businesses develop robust IP management strategies aligned with their overall business plans.
Bringing IP to a Whole-of-Government Discussion and Action
The HIPOC, held on May 19-20, marked a significant step towards integrating IP into national development agendas. The conference brought together heads of IP offices and representatives from other relevant government agencies from Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, and Samoa, along with the participating Tongan SMEs. The discussions focused on how IP can be utilized to drive innovation, economic growth, and competitiveness, even among micro-businesses.
The conference was opened with welcome remarks by Mr. Kapelieli Lanumata, the Minister of Trade and Economic Development of Tonga, Mr. Tomohiro Hakamata, Director, Regional Cooperation Office, Japan Patent Office, and Mr. Mahmoud Esfahani Nejad, Counsellor, Division for Asia and Pacific, WIPO.
The conference highlighted the critical role of IP in protecting and promoting the innovations and brands originating from the Pacific Islands. Participants explored the best practices for IP management, recognizing the need for a collaborative approach to address the specific challenges faced by the region.
This series of events underscores the growing recognition of IP as a powerful tool for economic empowerment in the Pacific Islands. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, SMEs, and WIPO, the region is taking significant strides towards building a robust and sustainable IP ecosystem. The focus on empowering SMEs and integrating IP into national strategies promises a brighter future for innovation and economic development across the Pacific.