WIPO

Type:	Nonprofit
Founded:	1967, Switzerland
Headquarters:	Geneva, Switzerland
Country:	Switzerland
Employees:	1001-5000
Website:	wipo.int
Facebook:	WIPO
LinkedIn:	WIPO
Key People
Francis Gurry, Director General

WIPO stands for World Intellectual Property Organization; it is a specialized agency of the much celebrated United Nations. The main focus of this organization is to develop an accessible and harmonious system of Intellectual Property. It aims at rewarding creativity and stimulating unique economic developments. These developments are made keeping in mind the public interests.

History

WIPO started functioning properly in the year 1970, but the WIPO Convention was signed in 1967. It was established by WIPO Convention with reference from its Member States. The main objective of WIPO was to enhance the protection if IP around the globe. This is carried out by cooperation amongst all the states as well as other international organizations. In 1974, it became United Nation's specialized agency.In 1996, it entered into an agreement with the WTO (World Trade Organisation) thereby expanding its trade role.

WIPO stakeholders

This organization works with various stakeholders to achieve its goals. These stakeholders include non-governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations and representatives of civil society. It also includes representatives of industry groups. The meetings are attended by more than 250 NGOs and IGOs.

Member States of WIPO

WIPO currently contains 184 Member states. This constitutes more than 90% of the countries around the world.

The working of WIPO

WIPO works in collaboration with its members. There different level of heads that work together to fulfill the aims of the organization. The strategic route of WIPO is determined by the Member States. The activities and transactions of the organization are enacted by the Director together with the Member States. The meetings are carried out in committees, Assemblies, working groups. These three wings constitute the decision making bodies of WIPO. The Secretariat of WIPO has its base in Geneva. As WIPO constitutes more than 90% of the countries of the world, it has world famous IP practices and law specialists under its wing. Celebrated specialists in economics, public policies, IT and administration are included in the organization. This gives WIPO a rich ‘think tank’. Every Member State has a Secretariat who is responsible for conducting and organizing meetings and events. Implementation of decisions and administering the global IP registration systems is conducted by Secretariat. It is also responsible for executing the plans and programs that help in achievement of WIOP’s aims. It also provides expertise solution to its members.

WIPO Program and Budget plan

WIPO has to present a Program and Budget plan in every two years. The document is sent to the Member States for their approval. This Program and Budget plan contains performance measures, particulars of the objectives and budget planning of all the events of the organization. The organization is basically self-financing and a major part of the finance is spent on Organization events. The remaining 10 percent is spent on revenue from the events of the contributing States. The wings of Internal Audit and Oversight Division together with an Audit Committee and External Auditor help in proper functions of WIPO. These help in smooth functions of the organization and help in carrying out the events.

External links

• WIPO

World Intellectual Property Organization