On November 9, a national seminar shedding light on Innovations and patent was organized in four sessions by Moroccan Office of Trade and Industrial Property (OMPIC) and Research and Development association in Morocco (R&D Maroc) with the cooperation of the WIPO in Morocco.

 
Alongside the event, a press conference regarding the launch of Inventor’s Assistance Program (IAP) was also held and the participants included:
 

– Mr. Adil EL MALIKI (OMPIC Director)
– Mr. MARCO ALEMAN (WIPO)
– Mr. TARAFA MAROUANE (CGEM)
– Mrs. Silvia MAGNONI (WEF)
– Mr. Corey Salsberg (Head International IP Policy, Novartis International)

 
Majid EL Bouazzaoui, the president of Morocco Union of Inventors and IFIA member, was invited to elaborate on the activities and missions of the association.

Later on, MARCO ALEMAN highlighted the function of IAP pro bono program and clarified the role of IFIA as the supporter of IAP program.

The principal goal of IAP is to bring as many under-resourced inventors as possible into their local IP systems by giving them the knowledge, tools and means that they need to file complete applications, undergo substantive examination, and ultimately enjoy the benefits of a duly issued patent. Fundamental to this mission is the shared belief that creativity and great ideas come from people of all walks of life, and that a truly successful IP system is therefore one that is accessible to all, without regard to their socioeconomic status, geography or financial means.