In furtherance of this goal, Avancept’s founder Tom Ewing developed a patent agent training program for the World Intellectual Property Organization that has been used in more than a dozen training courses worldwide. Tom has personally trained patent agents from nearly 40 countries and led WIPO training courses in Zimbabwe (2007), India (2006), Singapore (2006), and Malaysia (2003). Most of these young patent agents are employed by research institutions in Developing Countries and are now equipped to help their institution protect the fruits of its research. Tom has also assisted countries Tanzania in developing its national IP plan. Avancept strives to do its part in creating wealth and eliminating poverty worldwide in the belief that intellectual property is one critical tool in this effort.