Universo PI - Navigating a Sea of Tradition and Innovation - Portugal’s IP Journey

Está de volta a rubrica “Universo PI”, publicada no Linkedin, um espaço de partilha e inspiração em torno da Propriedade Industrial. Nesta edição, é com grande honra que partilhamos o testemunho de Daren Tang, Diretor Geral da Organização Mundial da Propriedade Intelectual.

When people think of Portugal, they often picture a country steeped in culture and craftsmanship. From world-renowned products like Queijo de Azeitão and Citrinos do Algarve to the intricate artistry of Portuguese filigree, Portugal’s identity is deeply rooted in local products and heritage. Over 250 years ago, Portugal became the first nation to establish a formal system to protect the origin and quality of its wine - a legacy that has spread to other parts of the world.

At the same time, Portugal is also a dynamic innovation hub. Ranked 31st in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index, the country is seeing rising business investment in research and development, a growing number of venture capital deals and a thriving startup ecosystem now close to 5,000 strong. Portuguese innovators are filing 35% more intellectual property (IP) applications than a decade ago - a strong barometer of innovation activity.

That said, we see Portugal wanting to reach for even greater heights, focusing not just on IP awareness and protection but also on IP commercialization and turning great ideas into growth.

To help, we at WIPO offer free, practical tools and training tailored for grassroots impact. One example is our IP Diagnostics Tool, available in Portuguese, and which has helped 50,000 SMEs understand how IP connects to their business and growth strategy.

We also work intensively with groups of SMEs to support innovation in specific sectors. This year, for instance, Portuguese startups are joining a new Europe-wide initiative focused on the blue economy - a fast-growing sector that includes everything from ocean-tech to costal tourism. We are also working toward a broader Blue Economy network.

Importantly, IP commercialization isn’t limited to industrial innovation, it also applies to culture, heritage, local products and crafts. Together with INPI Portugal, we are undertaking a new study on how GIs and collective marks can strengthen Portugal’s vibrant craft sector. EU research shows that GI-protected products often sell for double the price of comparable goods. This project will help map the full landscape, from Minho to Madeira, and support sustainable growth for artisans and local producers.

Portugal also has a proud tradition of international cooperation. In 2022, I was in Lisbon to launch a new chapter in WIPO’s partnership with the Lusophone world. This work continues today, including through a new project to empower young Portuguese-speaking musicians.

Further support for creators comes from CLIP (Creators Learn IP), a free, online platform, initially focused on music, and with the aim of empowering and educating creators about their IP rights. Given Portugal’s rich musical heritage - from Fado to the "Marchas Populares" - we are pleased to have launched a Portuguese-language version of CLIP last year and to have the Cabo Verdean singer Solange Cesarovna as one of our global CLIP champions. Soon, CLIP will expand into the visual arts as well.

Portugal is a country with innovation in its mind and creativity in its soul. Together with our partners at INPI, WIPO is proud to support Portuguese entrepreneurs, creators and businesses unlock the full value of their ideas - and share them with the world.

Daren Tang
Diretor Geral da Organização Mundial da Propriedade Intelectual | OMPI