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IFIA M agazine - S ept ember 2019 |

From left to right: Mr. Marco Aleman, Director, Patent Law Division, WIPO, Mr.
Ivan Arnulfo Rizo Tello, inventor, Reinventing; Mr. Alireza Rastegar, President,
IFIA (Photo: WIPO/Berrod)

On April 30, 2019, Mr. Ivan Arnulfo Rizo Tello was awarded a WIPO Medal for
his patent secured with the support of the Inventor Assistance Program (IAP).
His invention was selected by the International Federation of Inventors’ Asso-
ciations (IFIA), an IAP sponsor.

Mr. Rizo Tello, together with his wife Daniela, founded Reinventing. The patent
protects the core product of their business, a device that shields cars against
the elements and deters theft at the same time. He found the program critical
to secure this important asset for his business.

In Mr. Rizo Tello’s case, he received support from a top Colombian law firm to
secure protect his invention. Ms. Luz Helena Adarve – Partner at Cardenas &
Cardenas – Dentons – provided guidance throughout the patent application
process. Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Luz Helena Adarve said. “Working
with Colombian inventors, especially in this IAP case, is a very rewarding expe-
rience that reminds us that behind all patent applications, beyond talent and
ingenuity, there are constant, resilient people with a desire to contribute to
society.”

Volunteers, like Ms. Luz Helena Adarve, are the heart and soul of the IAP. With-
out their expertise, inventors are far less likely to protect their innovations.

During the same award ceremony, Mr. Carlos Olarte – Partner at Olarte Moure
– was recognized for his special contributions to the IAP. Mr. Olarte told WIPO
that he finds the program “absolutely fulfilling from a professional standpoint
and an excellent way to give back to society. He delivered an important mes-
sage for patent professionals thinking about participating in the program: “If
you support local innovation, the IAP is an outstanding way to show it.”

About the IAP
The IAP aims to level the playing field for inventors who have great ideas like
Mr. Rizo Tello, but struggle to turn them into valuable patented assets. Vol-
unteer patent attorneys and agents help under-resourced inventors selected
under the program navigate the patent system on a pro bono basis. The as-
sistance includes patent drafting and prosecution before the inventor’s local
patent office and in selected jurisdictions. The program currently operates in
Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco, the Philippines, and South Africa.

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