A specialized agency of the United Nations created by the WIPO Convention in 1967. WIPO's stated objective is to protect intellectual property around the world. WIPO administers 24 intellectual property treaties. Its membership consists of 193 member states, including the US and nearly all other UN members, which determine the direction and activities of the organization.

For more information see Practice Note, Intellectual Property Rights: The Key Issues and the WIPO website.