IPRs in Egypt for SMEs: Intellectual property is one of the most valuable assets of companies. They generate growth, economic development and employment. For this reason, it is important to protect company innovations and guarantee their exclusivity. This protection is an incentive for investment in R&D&i and the development of new technologies. Large companies often have people dedicated to the registration of patents and the protection of intellectual property. These practices are much less frequent in small and medium-sized companies. For this reason, the twinning programme between Egypt and Spain , funded by the European Union and managed by the FIIAPP, works together with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) in the development of strategies for working on intellectual property with SMEs . Several specialists from the SPTO have travelled to give workshops and training to the staff of the Egyptian Patent Office (EGPO). During one of the visits, coordinated by this cooperation project between Egypt and Spain, patent examiners were trained in intellectual protection procedures related to biotechnology . It is a complex sector, with particularities such as the bioethical implications of some innovations.8 Digitisation is a priority for patent offices around the world. The aim is to make it easier for users to use the patent application system. The Twinning Project to Strengthen the Egyptian Patent Office (EGYPO) works along these lines.9 Component 2 of the project, entitled: “Sustainable cooperation and coordination with rights holders and SMEs established within an institutional approach” focuses on sensitizing Egyptian MSMEs, SMEs and entrepreneurs regarding the importance of using the patent system to protect their inventions
