What is WIPO?
WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information and cooperation. We are a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 187 member states.
Our mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property (IP) system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all. Our mandate, governing bodies and procedures are set out in the WIPO Convention, which established WIPO in 1967.
Quick facts
History: established in 1967 | Membership: 187 member states | Director General: Francis Gurry | Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Who we are
Member states
Our 187 member states approve WIPO's strategic direction and activities in the annual meetings of the Assemblies.
Management & staff
Our staff (- the Secretariat), guided by our core values, provide the skills to implement the member states' decisions and deliver WIPO's diverse programs.
- Director General Francis Gurry
- Senior Management Team
- Organigram of the WIPO secretariat structure
Observers
Some 250 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) have official observer status at WIPO meetings.
What we do
We help governments, businesses and society realize the benefits of IP.
We provide:
- a policy forum to shape balanced international IP rules for a changing world;
- global services to protect IP across borders and to resolve disputes;
- technical infrastructure to connect IP systems and share knowledge;
- cooperation and capacity-building programs to enable all countries to use IP for economic, social and cultural development;
- a world reference source for IP information
Activities
Each WIPO division, led by its Director, is responsible for specific programs to achieve our nine strategic goals and objectives:
- WIPO activities by unit
- The Year in Review: Report of the DG to the WIPO Assemblies 2013
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Accountability
Results, program and budget
The objectives, performance measures and budgetary planning for all WIPO's proposed activities are set out in our Program and Budget. We report to member states on the results each year in the Program Performance Report.
Financial reporting
We submit two-yearly financial management reports and annual financial statements to the Assemblies of the Member States, prepared in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
Audit & oversight
Our operations and activities are overseen and evaluated by external and internal bodies:
Working with WIPO
WIPO careers
We employ talented individuals from around the globe to help us meet our challenges.
Procurement
We procure goods and services from suppliers worldwide. We focus on achieving the best value for money through a transparent procurement process.
- WIPO procurement process and procedures
- Current tenders
Cooperation
We work in close partnership with IP offices, IGOs, NGOs, and other public and private stakeholder throughout the world to deliver our programs.
Connecting with WIPO
Contact us
World Intellectual Property Organization
34, chemin des Colombettes
CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Visit us
Request a group visit for professionals, students and others interested in learning more about WIPO. Or view public exhibitions now showing at WIPO.
External offices
Our external offices support the delivery of our strategic goals and objectives in the host countries and surrounding regions: