The signing ceremony took place at Corvinus University’s new Gellért Campus, where the leaders of the three institutions underlined the importance of developing human skills and capacity to adequately manage intellectual property assets to drive competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. 

“Intellectual property is the invisible engine of the knowledge-based economy,” said Prof. Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of Corvinus University of Budapest, who previously served for two years as Chief Economist at the European Patent Office. “In a world where ideas and innovation increasingly define competitiveness, understanding how to manage and protect intellectual property is essential for both companies and policymakers. The professional partnership with WIPO and HIPO enables Corvinus to offer a truly international programme that combines academic excellence with practical expertise, preparing students to navigate the complex, global IP landscape and to contribute to sustainable economic growth”. 

Representing the national policy dimension, Szabolcs Farkas, President of the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office, added: „We are proud that HIPO can be part of this trilateral cooperation with Corvinus University and WIPO. Education, dissemination of knowledge and raising awareness in the field of IP are strategic goals for us. I truely belive that the establishment of the Joint Master’s Program in IP Management will contribute to further strenghtening the IP and innovation ecosystem not only in Hungary and the region but also internationally. Training new professionals may benefit all who have an interest in the creation, protection and exploitation of IP assets in the future.” 

Highlighting the value of international cooperation, Hasan Kleib, Deputy Director General, Regional and National Development Sector, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), noted: “The signing of the memorandum of understanding marks not just the beginning of a new academic program, but the strengthening of a shared vision where knowledge, innovation, and creativity come together to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through this Joint Master’s Program in IP Management, WIPO, together with the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office and Corvinus University of Budapest is investing in the next generation of leaders who will use intellectual property as a driver to transform ideas into impact and to drive creativity, innovation, and sustainable development.” 

The Intellectual Property Management MSc, starting in September 2026, will be a one-year English-language programme that welcomes students seeking to build careers at the intersection of law, economics and management. It will equip participants to turn innovations into strategic assets in both national and global markets, develop expertise in IP law, valuation, licensing and commercialisation, and gain practical skills in entrepreneurship, business strategy and technology management. Through real-world case studies and close collaboration with experts from HIPO and WIPO, students will strengthen their analytical and decision-making capabilities and prepare for leadership roles in intellectual property management, innovation, or academic research. The programme will be the first of its kind in Hungary. 

Further information is available on the Corvinus University, HIPO and WIPO Academy website. 

More photos from the event: