World Intellectual Property Organisation
Share
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting the protection and management of intellectual property (IP) rights on a global scale. WIPO serves as a forum for its member states to develop international IP policies, harmonise IP laws, and facilitate cooperation and information exchange among countries.
International IP treaties and conventions: WIPO administers several important international treaties and conventions, including the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Madrid System for trademarks, the Hague System for industrial designs, and the WIPO Copyright Treaty. These agreements establish common standards and frameworks for the protection of various forms of IP across member countries.
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): WIPO's PCT enables applicants to seek patent protection in multiple countries by filing a single international patent application. The PCT streamlines the process of filing and searching for patents and facilitates the examination and granting of patents by national or regional patent offices.
Trademarks and industrial designs: WIPO provides services and support in the areas of trademarks and industrial designs. The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks allows for the international registration of trademarks, simplifying the process for trademark holders seeking protection in multiple countries. WIPO's Hague System provides a similar mechanism for international registration of industrial designs.
Intellectual property services and resources: WIPO offers a range of services and resources to assist countries and stakeholders in the protection and management of IP. This includes providing training programs, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance understanding and effective use of IP systems.
IP policy development and cooperation: WIPO serves as a platform for member states to discuss and develop IP policies, norms, and guidelines. It facilitates the exchange of information and best practices among countries, fostering cooperation and harmonisation in the field of IP.
Dispute resolution: WIPO provides services for the resolution of IP disputes, including arbitration and mediation. The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre offers mechanisms for parties to resolve disputes outside of traditional litigation, providing a neutral and specialised forum.
IP statistics and research: WIPO collects and publishes global IP statistics, enabling policymakers, businesses, and researchers to access data on IP trends, innovation, and economic indicators. WIPO's research and economic analysis contribute to the understanding of the role and impact of IP in various sectors.
Outreach and collaboration: WIPO collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, industry, academia, and civil society, to promote awareness of IP and foster innovation and creativity. It engages in partnerships and initiatives to address IP challenges in areas such as public health, agriculture, and climate change.
WIPO has 193 member states and works closely with other international organisations, such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), to ensure coherence and coordination in global IP policies.
International IP treaties and conventions: WIPO administers several important international treaties and conventions, including the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Madrid System for trademarks, the Hague System for industrial designs, and the WIPO Copyright Treaty. These agreements establish common standards and frameworks for the protection of various forms of IP across member countries.
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): WIPO's PCT enables applicants to seek patent protection in multiple countries by filing a single international patent application. The PCT streamlines the process of filing and searching for patents and facilitates the examination and granting of patents by national or regional patent offices.
Trademarks and industrial designs: WIPO provides services and support in the areas of trademarks and industrial designs. The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks allows for the international registration of trademarks, simplifying the process for trademark holders seeking protection in multiple countries. WIPO's Hague System provides a similar mechanism for international registration of industrial designs.
Intellectual property services and resources: WIPO offers a range of services and resources to assist countries and stakeholders in the protection and management of IP. This includes providing training programs, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance understanding and effective use of IP systems.
IP policy development and cooperation: WIPO serves as a platform for member states to discuss and develop IP policies, norms, and guidelines. It facilitates the exchange of information and best practices among countries, fostering cooperation and harmonisation in the field of IP.
Dispute resolution: WIPO provides services for the resolution of IP disputes, including arbitration and mediation. The WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre offers mechanisms for parties to resolve disputes outside of traditional litigation, providing a neutral and specialised forum.
IP statistics and research: WIPO collects and publishes global IP statistics, enabling policymakers, businesses, and researchers to access data on IP trends, innovation, and economic indicators. WIPO's research and economic analysis contribute to the understanding of the role and impact of IP in various sectors.
Outreach and collaboration: WIPO collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, industry, academia, and civil society, to promote awareness of IP and foster innovation and creativity. It engages in partnerships and initiatives to address IP challenges in areas such as public health, agriculture, and climate change.
WIPO has 193 member states and works closely with other international organisations, such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), to ensure coherence and coordination in global IP policies.
