Project Title: Establishing Practical Intellectual Property Support Structure/Framework for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises including Micro Enterprises

Leading Office: CIPC

Focus on: SMME

Description: A study commissioned by WIPO is being conducted in South Africa by CIPC to identify and suggest SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable/realistic, time-based) strategies that would facilitate effective exploitation and management of intellectual property (IP) assets by small and medium-sized enterprises, including micro-enterprises (hereafter SMMEs) in the Republic of South Africa. The role of Intellectual Property support at SMME level requires an integrated approach that considers the available accessibility and resources as well as speaks directly to the challenges faced by SMME firms.

Expected Outcomes: The outcome of the study will provide recommendations to SMMEs and IP policy makers and SMMEs Support Institutions on what policy measures and strategies should be put in place to facilitate the effective exploitation and management of IP assets by South African based SMMEs