World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), based in Geneva, Switzerland, is a specialized body of the United Nations system of organizations. Its objective is to develop an international Intellectual Property system that is balanced and accessible and that rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development, while also preserving the public interest.

WIPO Created in 1967

The organization was created in 1967 under the WIPO Convention, with the mandate of member states to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world through the cooperation of states and collaboration with other international organizations. The entity was absorbed by the UN in 1974.

The vast majority of member states of the organization are developing states. Developed Western states are in the minority. The entity is related to the World Trade Organization regarding the promotion of development. Together they have taken agreements such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS or TRIPs). This agreement links respect and compliance with intellectual property rights to possible WTO economic sanctions.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Headquarters (the Árpád Bogsch Building also known as the Main Building) in Geneva, Switzerland. Metatron, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Objectives of the World Intellectual Property Organization

Among the objectives that we can highlight from the World Property Organization are the following:

• To provide Member States with an infrastructure to make the intellectual property systems of each country compatible.
• Work with countries to enhance all the benefits of a strong, stable and secure intellectual property system.
• Facilitate the flow of information between countries to ensure the protection of intellectual property in all Member States.
• Provide the knowledge necessary to establish a functioning intellectual property system.

Sources: World Intellectual Property Organization