The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched WIPO IP Diagnostics for the Fashion Industry, a new self-assessment tool designed to help small businesses, creators and other stakeholders in the fashion sector better understand and manage their intellectual property.
Launched on August 21, 2026, the tool is an industry-specific version of WIPO’s existing IP Diagnostics platform. It is intended for businesses operating in the fashion sector, as well as individual creators, designers and service providers working with or for the industry.
Users begin by completing a pre-assessment questionnaire about their business and activities. The questions help determine which intellectual property issues may be relevant to the particular business. They address matters such as original designs, brands and logos, creative materials, confidential business information, employees, external designers and service providers, e-commerce, international activities, counterfeiting and piracy.
Based on the responses to the pre-assessment, the tool identifies the areas of intellectual property that may be relevant to the user’s business and creates a personalized diagnostic dashboard. Depending on the answers provided, users may be directed to sections covering designs, brands, creative materials, inventions, confidential information, employees, external parties, e-commerce, internationalization, piracy, second-hand markets, infringement, business expansion, access to finance and access to intellectual property expertise.
Users can then work through the relevant diagnostic sections individually. As sections are completed, reports can be viewed or downloaded. The tool also provides a cumulative report bringing together the results of the assessment.
According to WIPO, the customized reports identify potential IP assets and provide preliminary guidance on how those assets may contribute to the value of a business. The assessment can also highlight potential intellectual property risks and opportunities that may affect business strategy.
The tool is particularly relevant to the fashion industry, where businesses may rely on several forms of intellectual property at the same time. Designs can protect the appearance of certain fashion products, trademarks can protect brands, copyright may apply to original creative materials, and patents can protect technological innovations involving materials, manufacturing processes and wearable technologies.
Fashion businesses may also need to consider intellectual property when working with employees, photographers, designers, influencers and other outside parties, as well as when expanding into international markets or dealing with counterfeit products.
WIPO says the new diagnostic tool is intended to help fashion businesses and creators better identify, protect, manage and leverage their intellectual property assets.
Access the Tool: WIPO IP Diagnostics for the Fashion Industry
Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), WIPO Launches New IP Diagnostics Tool for the Fashion Industry, August 21, 2026
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