World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO)

WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information and cooperation. It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 191 member states.

WIPO’s 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. Its mandate, governing bodies and procedures are set out in the WIPO Convention, which established WIPO in 1967.

WIPO offers a the following services for protecting intellectual property (IP) across borders.

WIPO PCT The International Patent System

Seek patent protection in multiple countries by filing one international application. The PCT system:

• postpones the major costs associated with international patent protection;
• provides you with a strong basis for patenting decisions;

and is used by the world’s major corporations, research institutions and universities.

WIPO Madrid The International Trademark System

Register your trademarks in multiple countries by filing one international application. The Madrid system:

• saves you time and money;
• covers 116 countries;
• enables you to manage and renew your marks through one centralized system.

WIPO The Hague The International Design System

Register industrial designs in multiple countries with a minimum of formalities and expense. The Hague system:

• replaces multiple registrations with just one;
• lets you register up to 100 industrial designs with one form;
• makes management of your registered designs easier — record changes or renewals through a single step.