WIPO

U.S. Opening Statement at the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO -  U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the global forum for intellectual property (IP) services, policy, information and cooperation. We are a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 193 member states.

Our mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international IP system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all. Our mandate, governing bodies and procedures are set out in the WIPO Convention, which established WIPO in 1967.

WIPO’s member states determine the direction, budget and activities of the Organization through the decision-making bodies. We currently have 193 member states.

To become a member, a state must deposit an instrument of ratification or accession with the Director General. The WIPO Convention provides that membership is open to any state that is:

 

Uganda signed the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Patent Law Treaty in 2000 but has yet to ratify it.