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WIPO , World Intellectual Property Organization. WIPO is an agency affiliated
with the United Nations. Many nations, including the United States, have agreed
to try to harmonize their intellectual property laws through various treaties
and this organization. In principle, this makes it easier to patent inventions
worldwide, not just in one nation. The World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the
use and protection of works of the human spirit. These works -- intellectual
property -- are expanding the bounds of science and technology and enriching the
world of the arts. Through its work, WIPO plays an important role in enhancing
the quality and enjoyment of life, as well as creating real wealth for nations.
With headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, WIPO is one of the 16 specialized
agencies of the United Nations system of organizations. It administers 23
international treaties dealing with different aspects of intellectual property
protection. The Organization counts 182 nations as member states. Please visit
the links below for more information -- both general and specific -- on WIPO.
About Intellectual Property
Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and
artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.
Intellectual property is divided into two categories: Industrial property, which
includes inventions (patents), trademarks, industrial designs, and geographic
indications of source; and Copyright, which includes literary and artistic works
such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical works, artistic works such as
drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures, and architectural designs.
Rights related to copyright include those of performing artists in their
performances, producers of phonograms in their recordings, and those of
broadcasters in their radio and television programs.
A broad introduction to intellectual property is available in the WIPO
publication WIPO Intellectual Property Handbook: Policy, Law and Use. A summary
of intellectual property legislation in member States, as well as contact
information, etc., is available in the WIPO Guide to Intellectual Property
Worldwide.
WIPO Website |
