The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is an international organization dedicated to helping to ensure that the rights of creators and owners of intellectual property are protected worldwide and that inventors and authors are, thus, recognized and rewarded for their ingenuity. This international protection acts as a spur to human creativity, pushing forward the boundaries of science and technology and enriching the world of literature and the arts. By providing a stable environment for the marketing of intellectual property products, it also oils the wheels of international trade.

The number of member States belonging to WIPO now stands at 179 (updated list available), over 90 per cent of the world's countries - a reflection of the crucial importance and relevance attached to the work of the Organization.

With a staff of some 859 drawn from around the world, WIPO carries out many tasks related to the protection of intellectual property rights, such as administering international treaties, assisting governments, organizations and the private sector, monitoring developments in the field and harmonizing and simplifying relevant rules and practices. In all that it does, the key words are relevance, efficiency, communication and international cooperation.

In the new millennium, WIPO faces many new challenges; one of the most urgent is the need for both the Organization and its member States to adapt to and benefit from rapid and wide-ranging technological change, particularly in the field of information technology and the Internet. Under the leadership of its Director General, Dr. Kamil Idris, and with the close cooperation of its member States, WIPO is confident about meeting those challenges. In working towards its objectives, the Organization will strive to contribute to the good of mankind by creating real wealth for nations, and to enhance the quality and enjoyment of life.

http://www.wipo.int/
wipo.mail@wipo.int