Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions; literary and artistic works; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. Intellectual property is divided into two categories: Industrial Property includes patents for inventions, trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications. Copyright covers literary works (such as novels, poems and plays), films, music, artistic works (e.g., drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures) and architectural design. Rights related to copyright include those of performing artists in their performances, producers of phonograms in their recordings, and broadcasters in their radio and television programs.

Intellectual Property Services

Businesses and innovators need easy, cost-effective ways to protect their inventions, their brands, and their designs in multiple countries.

WIPO offers a range of global services for protecting intellectual property (IP) across borders, and for resolving IP disputes outside the courts.

Protecting intellectual property

Whether you are a multinational business or an individual, our services provide you with a fast, efficient and cost-effective route for protecting your inventions, trademarks or designs across borders.

Resolving IP disputes

Our international Alternative Dispute Resolution services enable you to resolve IP disputes outside the courts, in a single neutral forum, saving significant time and money.