WIPO and Spanish IP Office Enhance Patent Drafting Expertise Across Latin America

The 6th Regional Course for Training of Trainers in patent drafting recently concluded, marking another milestone in WIPO’s efforts to strengthen intellectual property capacities in Latin America. Since its inception in 2016, this course has been pivotal in developing a substantial pool of patent drafting experts capable of mentoring others across the continent.

This year’s course brought together participants from 17 Latin American countries, reflecting a broad regional commitment to enhancing patent drafting skills. The program was structured in two phases: an intensive five-day workshop held in Montevideo, Uruguay, followed by a two-month period of practical work under the guidance of seasoned mentors.

Key contributors to the course included Alexander Agudelo, Director of Innovation, Patents and Designs at Wolf Méndez Abogados in Colombia; Olga Moreno, Director of the Patent Department at Jarry IP in Chile; and Pablo Paz, a Patent Consultant from Argentina. Their expertise provided participants with valuable insights into the nuances of patent drafting.

Support was also provided by representatives from the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM), including María José de Concepción, Director of the Patents Department, and Leopoldo Belda Soriano, Head of Patents in the Mechanical and Construction Area. Additionally, Marta Díaz Pozo, Legal Officer in the IP for Innovators Department at WIPO in Switzerland, contributed to the program’s delivery.

Participants expressed strong appreciation for the course’s impact on their professional development. María Victoria Lo Giocco from Argentina highlighted gaining new tools and strategies applicable both to substantive examination and advising inventors during patent application drafting. Oralia Suárez of Panama emphasized the value of establishing connections with WIPO and potential collaborations with universities and patent offices, aiming to cultivate a new generation of highly trained patent drafters.

Lucía González from Uruguay noted the course’s role in fostering continuous improvement at both personal and institutional levels, describing the exchange of views and opinions as highly productive.

Looking ahead, alumni of WIPO’s regional courses are encouraged to apply for the International Patent Drafting Training Program. This advanced, eight-month program, conducted annually in English and soon to be available in Spanish, offers further opportunities to refine patent drafting expertise.

This ongoing collaboration between WIPO, OEPM, and AECID underscores a strategic commitment to elevating patent quality and innovation capacity across Latin America, supporting inventors and patent offices alike in navigating the complexities of intellectual property protection.