Geneva

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the UN whose purpose is to promote the protection of intellectual property (IP) worldwide. WIPO’s main mission is to develop a balanced and accessible international IP system that supports innovation, creativity, and economic development while protecting the rights of creators and innovators. This is achieved through the protection of patents, trademarks, designs and geographical indications, and the enforcement of copyright. In addition, issues related to the protection of traditional genetic resources, heritage and folklore are discussed. WIPO administers 26 international treaties in these areas. WIPO’s predecessor, BIRPI (United International Organizations for the Protection of Intellectual Property), was founded in 1893, and the WIPO Convention was adopted in 1967. WIPO has 193 member states.

Estonia has been a member of WIPO since 1994. The main partners of the Office in WIPO matters are the Ministry of Justice and the Patent Office.