World Intellectual Property Rights Organisation

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is one of the specialised agencies of the United Nations. It was operationalised in 1970 to protect and promote intellectual property rights across the world. It oversees the implementation of 26 international treaties dealing with a wide range of IP issues – from protection of broadcasts to the establishment of international patent classification.

Unlike many of the UN specialised agencies, WIPO is not dependent on assessed or voluntary contributions from member countries. Rather, its finances are sourced from fees obtained for its global services related to intellectual properties.