The World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its purpose is to develop an international system of intellectual property (I.P.) where balance, accessibility and the reward for creativity are present to foster innovation and contribute to economic development, while safeguarding public interest.

It was created in 1967 by the WIPO Convention with a mandate from its Member States. Its main objective is to promote the protection of intellectual property worldwide through cooperation among the states and other international organizations. Its headquarters are in Geneva, (Switzerland). http://www.wipo.int/