WIPO Convenes ASEAN Investors to Advance IP in Investment Decisions

As intangible assets play an increasingly important role in business value creation, integrating intellectual property (IP) into investment and financing decisions is becoming a growing priority for innovation ecosystems worldwide.

To advance this discussion in Southeast Asia, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), with the involvement of its Singapore Office (WSO) and together with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and Vest Capital, convened the Roundtable for ASEAN Investors on the Use of IP in Investment Context in Singapore on August 28, 2026, bringing together a select group of investors from across ASEAN.

The roundtable forms part of WIPO’s broader efforts to strengthen the understanding and practical use of IP and other intangible assets as an investible asset class and to support new approaches to innovation-led growth across the region.

Advancing a More Intangible Asset-Aware Investment Ecosystem

The roundtable provided a platform for investors to exchange perspectives on the role of intangible assets in investment and what is needed to build greater confidence in IP-rich businesses.

Discussions explored investment readiness, valuation, ownership and commercialization, as well as structural challenges affecting financing, including data availability and verification of ownership rights. The insights will help inform WIPO’s work to better understand the needs of investors and market participants across ASEAN.

Contributing to WIPO’s Regional Work on IP Finance

The roundtable concluded with a discussion on international developments in IP finance and the evolving role of intangible assets in financing ecosystems. Drawing on WIPO’s experience in IP valuation, commercialization and IP-backed financing, the session highlighted global trends and perspectives relevant to ASEAN markets.

Insights from the roundtable will contribute to a forthcoming report bringing together key findings and recommendations for future action. The report will support WIPO’s efforts to strengthen understanding of intangible assets as an investible asset class and promote their more effective integration into investment and financing decisions.