International Federation of Inventors' Associations


The International Federation of Inventors' Associations is a non-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in London under the supervision of the United Nations, on July 11, 1968, by inventors of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

IFIA history

IFIA was established in 1968 in London by the cooperation of the representatives of seven European countries, namely Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The IFIA is registered as one of the partners of International Geneva United Nation Office in Geneva. The IFIA logo registered in Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property. The organization has member organizations in more than 100 countries, and around 175 member organizations in total. The IFIA has a General Assembly, that includes an Executive Committee and elects the IFIA President.

IFIA affiliations

IFIA has observer status at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development;observer status at the World Intellectual Property Organization ;has United Nations Industrial Development Organization's consultative status;is a member of the Standing Advisory Committee before the European Patent Office ;and is included among the Assembly of Professional Society in European Alliance for Innovation.IFIA received a grant special consultative status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council on June 6, 2019.IFIA also is Members of MIT's Solve community.

Organizational structure

The International Federation of Inventors' Associations operates through the following organizational bodies:
  • General Assembly: The highest governing body of the federation, composed of member countries.

  • President:The highest executive authority, elected by the General Assembly for a four-year term from among the experienced and influential members.
  • The Vice Presidents are appointed by the IFIA President and approved by the Executive Committee. Their tenure and responsibilities are aligned with IFIA’s mission to foster global innovation and intellectual property awareness. A full list of IFIA Vice Presidents is available on the official IFIA website .
  • Executive Committee:The policymaking body of the federation, appointed by the General Assembly for a two-yearterm.
  • Secretaries:Executive managers overseeing various operational areas of the federation, appointed by the President.
  • Regional Networks: Coordinators of continental programs, representing the five global regions.
  • Treasurer:Manages financial operations and auditing.

Full Members of the International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA)

The International Federation of Inventors' Associations consists of full members representing national inventor associations, innovation organizations, and institutions that actively contribute to the promotion of invention and innovation worldwide. These full members are recognized by IFIA as official representatives of their respective countries, working collaboratively to support inventors, enhance intellectual property awareness, and foster a global innovation ecosystem.
As full members, these organizations participate in IFIA’s General Assembly, Executive Committee meetings, and policy-making decisions, ensuring the federation remains a strong advocate for inventors on an international level. They are also responsible for organizing IFIA-endorsed invention exhibitions, competitions, and educational programs in their regions.
Currently, IFIA comprises full members from over 100 countries.

Presidents

The President shall be elected by the General Assembly for a period of four years.

IFIA activities

The International Federation of Inventors' Associations undertakes various activities to support and promote innovation and invention worldwide.
IFIA organizes and supports the publication of reference books, guides, surveys, studies, conferences and conventions,illustrative exhibits related to inventors and inventions, and consultative services. They also sponsor the IFIA Awards, which since 2015 have including the Best Invention Medal, Ambassador Medal, and the Memorial medal. Prior awards have included the Global Golden Medal.
The Memorial Medal has been awarded to Ivo Josipoviæm, Teresa Stanek Rea, USPTO Acting Director Benoît Battistelli, EPO President Miklós Bendzsel, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry, and Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong.

IFIA Awards

The International Federation of Inventors' Associations Awards
Recognizing outstanding achievements in innovation, invention, and technological advancements, these awards aim to support and encourage inventors by acknowledging their contributions to global progress and are selected by the IFIA Jury Board.
- Types of IFIA Awards
IFIA grants various awards, including: IFIA Best Invention Award – Given to groundbreaking innovations in different fields.IFIA Woman Inventor Award – Recognizing outstanding female inventors.IFIA Young Inventor Award – Encouraging young innovators and students. IFIA Innovation Excellence Award – Awarded to organizations or institutions contributing significantly to innovation. IFIA Green Innovation Award – Recognizing sustainable and eco-friendly inventions.
- Award Criteria and Recognition
- Awards are presented at international exhibitions, conferences,
Awards are presented at international exhibitions, conferences, and competitions organized or endorsed by IFIA.

- Winners receive certificates, medals, and global recognition.
- The selection process is based on patent, creativity, innovation, impact, and market potential.

IFIA Magazine

The IFIA Magazine is the official publication of the International Federation of Inventors' Associations. It serves as a platform to showcase innovation, inventions, and global activities within the IFIA network.

IFIA INV Members

The INV Membership category within the International Federation of Inventors' Associations is designed to recognize individual inventors who contribute to the field of innovation and technological advancements.