Core Tasks of WIPO
WIPO’s activities are conducted within the strategic framework set out in the biennial Program and Budget document and are driven by demand from Member States. They fall broadly into the following areas.
Developing international IP laws and standards
WIPO is responsible for promoting the balanced evolution of IP legislation, standards and procedures among its Member States. This includes further development of international laws and treaties on patents; trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications; and copyright and related rights.
WIPO also works with Member States to explore IP issues in the area of traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and genetic resources.
WIPO administers 24 international treaties (16 on industrial property; 7 on copyright; as well as the convention establishing WIPO).
Delivering global IP protection services
WIPO provides fee-based services, based on international agreements, which enable users in member countries to file international applications for patents (PCT), and international registrations for trademarks (Madrid system), designs (Hague system), and appellations of origin (Lisbon system).
WIPO administers four IP classification systems, which organize the mass of information concerning inventions, trademarks and industrial designs into indexed, manageable structures for easy retrieval.
WIPO’s Arbitration and Mediation Center offers dispute resolution services to businesses and individuals, including in the area of Internet domain names.
Encouraging the use of IP for economic development
WIPO conducts a range of programs aimed at increasing the effective use of the IP system by developing countries to promote economic, social and cultural development. Programs include technical assistance in support of member countries' initiatives to improve their IP legislative, institutional and human resources frameworks; strategies for incorporating IP into national development planning; facilitating access to technical knowledge and information; economic studies and public policy advice. See Intellectual Property for Development.
Promoting a better understanding of IP
WIPO provides a wealth of public outreach material aimed at encouraging creativity and innovation; and increasing understanding of how to protect and benefit from the resulting IP. Seminars and information products also target specific groups, such as creators, small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions and policymakers. Other awareness-raising activities contribute to Member States’ efforts in the area of building respect for IP, including enforcement of IP rights.
Providing a forum for debate
WIPO meetings regularly bring together stakeholders from governments, right holders’ groups and civil society in order to facilitate constructive debate on current challenges and the sharing of expertise. WIPO is committed to identifying IP-based solutions that can help confront global challenges and maximize the benefits of the IP system for all stakeholders. WIPO also commissions and publishes studies on emerging issues.
