World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - UPSC Notes | Testbook

The World Intellectual Property Organization, also known as WIPO, is a specialized agency under the United Nations. Established in 1967, WIPO's main objective is to promote the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights and stimulate creative activities worldwide. It serves as a global platform for IP services, information, and policy-making.

In this article, we delve into the significance of WIPO in the context of the IAS Exam. This topic is particularly relevant for UPSC aspirants in the areas of International Relations and Economy as per the UPSC Syllabus.

Understanding WIPO

WIPO is an international entity that works towards the promotion and protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

WIPO operates as a global platform for IP Services.
WIPO is a self-funded organization under the United Nations.
With an impressive membership of 192 countries , WIPO aims to stimulate creative activities and promote IP protection across the globe.
Currently, Francis Gurry leads WIPO as its Director-General. The organization's headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
WIPO traces its roots back to the United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property ( BIRPI ), which was established in 1893.

UPSC Prelims Facts - WIPO

The Mandate of WIPO

WIPO is committed to developing a balanced and accessible international Intellectual Property (IP) system. This system aims to reward creativity, stimulate innovation, and contribute to economic development while upholding the public interest.

UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program - 60 Days Foundation Course SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000₹0

🪙 Your Total Savings ₹50000

Want to know more about this Super Coaching ?

People also like

Public Administration optional by Rahul Sharma Sir

₹30000(59% OFF)

₹12500 (Valid for 15 Months)

Hindi Literature Optional (UPSC Mains) by Prachi Choudhary Ma'am

₹33000(73% OFF)

₹9000 (Valid for 15 Months)

PSIR Optional (UPSC Mains) by Kiran Anishetty Sir

₹30000(40% OFF)

₹18000 (Valid for 15 Months)

The Role and Functions of WIPO

WIPO was established with the intention to perform the following key functions:

To aid in the development of campaigns that enhance IP Protection worldwide and harmonize national legislations.
To sign international treaties related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection.
To carry out administrative functions as discussed by the Berne and Paris Unions.
To provide legal and technical assistance in the domain of IP.
To conduct research, publish its findings, and collect and disseminate information.
To ensure the operation of services that facilitate International Intellectual Property Protection.
To undertake other appropriate and necessary actions.

For more information about Important Headquarters of International Organizations, you can check the linked article.

Key Treaties of WIPO

Treaty Name	Description
WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT)	WPPT primarily addresses the rights of two categories of beneficiaries, especially in the digital environment. These include: Performers such as singers, actors, musicians, and so on. Producers of Phonograms.
Budapest Treaty	This treaty was designed for the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.
Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks	The Protocol ensures the protection of a mark in multiple countries by securing an international registration that is effective in all designated Contracting Parties.
Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Visually Impaired Persons and Persons with Print Disabilities	The Marrakesh Treaty enabled copyright exceptions that facilitated the creation of accessible versions of books and provided copyrighted works for the visually impaired.
WIPO Copyright Treaty	This treaty addressed the protection of works and the rights of their authors in the digital environment.

WIPO's Relationship with India

India became a member of WIPO in 1975.

India is a signatory to the following WIPO Treaties:

WIPO Convention (1975)
Paris Convention (1998)
Berne Convention (1928)
Patent Cooperation Treaty (1998)
Phonograms Convention (1975)
Nairobi Treaty (1983)
Nice Agreement (2019)
Locarno Agreement (2019)
Vienna Agreement (2019)

India ratified all of the above treaties and was the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty.

India has made significant strides in the Global Innovation Index (GII) in recent years. In the 2019 GII, India ranked 52nd, marking a considerable improvement from previous years.

Since 2011, India has been the top-ranked innovative country in the Southern and Central Asia region.
India has consistently outperformed in innovation relative to its GDP per capita for eight consecutive years.
In terms of innovation quality, India ranks second among middle-income economies globally.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been a GII Knowledge Partner since 2009.
In India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry oversees matters related to WIPO and related issues.

WIPO Publications

The Global Innovation Index (GII) is a global ranking of countries based on their success in and capacity for innovation.

The index is published by WIPO in collaboration with Cornell University and the INSEAD business school.
The index ranks countries based on 80 indicators, ranging from intellectual property filing rates to Research and Development, online creativity, mobile application creation, computer software spending, education spending, scientific & technical publications, and the ease of starting a business.

You can find the List of Reports Published by International Organizations for UPSC here.

Related Links:

The Innovating States-RSTV In-depth	Commonwealth Innovation Index
G20	Daily Current Affairs
UPSC 2023	UPSC International Relations MCQs

Download the Testbook App,

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - UPSC Notes | Testbook