The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1970 to promote and protect intellectual property (IP) globally through collaboration with countries and international organizations. Daren Tang, former head of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, is the current Director General since October 1, 2020.

WIPO’s activities include hosting forums for international IP rules, offering global services to register and protect IP, resolving cross-border IP disputes, establishing uniform standards, and serving as a reference database on IP matters. It collaborates with governments, NGOs, and individuals for socioeconomic development.

Administering 26 international agreements, WIPO covers various IP issues and is governed by the General Assembly and Coordination Committee. The Secretariat manages day-to-day operations.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WIPO has external offices worldwide. Unlike most UN organizations, WIPO relies on fees for 95% of its budget rather than assessed or voluntary contributions. It has 193 member states, including observer status for Palestine, with only a few non-members recognized by the UN.