What is WIPO?
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.
WIPO was established by the WIPO Convention in 1967 with a mandate from its Member States to promote the protection of IP throughout the world through cooperation among states and in collaboration with other international organizations. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. The Director General is Francis Gurry.
- How WIPO works
- WIPO - An Overview [PDF] for an introduction and cross-section of recent activities
- Visit WIPO
- A brief history of WIPO.
Strategic Goals and Activities
WIPO’s vision is that IP is an important tool for the economic, social and cultural development of all countries. This shapes its mission to promote the effective use and protection of IP worldwide. Strategic goals are set out in a four yearly Medium Term Plan and refined in the biennial Program and Budget document.
The five strategic goals defined in the 2008-2009 Program and Budget are:
- Promoting a Balanced IP System and Realizing Its Development Potential
- Strengthening IP Infrastructure, Institutions and Human Resources
- Progressive Development of International IP Law
- Delivery of Quality Service in Global IP Protection Systems
- Greater Efficiency of Management and Administrative Support Processes.
WIPO’s core tasks and program activities are all aimed at achieving these goals.
