The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for the promotion and protection of intellectual property (IP) rights around the world. These rights include copyrights, trademarks, patents, and industrial designs, among others. WIPO was established in 1967 with the goal of providing a global forum for IP policy development and cooperation. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has over 190 member states.

One of the main functions of WIPO is to administer a number of international IP treaties, such as the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, and the Patent Cooperation Treaty. These treaties set out the minimum standards for IP protection and provide a framework for international cooperation in this area. WIPO also plays a key role in the development of new international IP standards and policies, and it provides technical assistance and capacity-building to member states to help them improve their IP systems.

In addition to its treaty-based work, WIPO also operates a number of other programs and services to support the IP needs of its member states and stakeholders. For example, WIPO offers a range of services for the registration and protection of IP rights, including online filing and search systems for trademarks, patents, and industrial designs. WIPO also operates the International Bureau for Intellectual Property, which serves as the central repository for IP information and documents from around the world.

Another important function of WIPO is to provide dispute resolution services to help parties resolve IP disputes peacefully. This includes the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, which provides alternative dispute resolution services for IP disputes, and the WIPO Center for Intermediary Liability and Multilateral System, which helps online service providers and content creators navigate the complex landscape of IP law.

Overall, the World Intellectual Property Organization plays a vital role in promoting and protecting IP rights around the world. By providing a forum for policy development, administering international IP treaties, and offering a range of services and dispute resolution mechanisms, WIPO helps to create a more stable and predictable environment for innovation and creativity to thrive.