Yearbook of the United Nations, 2001. Part 6, Intergovernmental organizations related to the United Nations. Chapter 14, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Abstract

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) continued development cooperation, norm-setting and registration activities to promote respect for the protection and use of intellectual properties. WIPO focused on strengthening the intellectual property systems of developing countries; promoting new or revised norms for the protection of intellectual property at the national, regional and multilateral levels; and facilitating the acquisition of intellectual property protection through international registration systems. The governing bodies of WIPO and the Unions administered by the organization held their thirty-sixth series of meetings (Geneva, 24 September– 3 October). During 2001, WIPO membership increased to 177 States, with the accession of Myanmar and Tonga to the 1967 Convention establishing WIPO, amended in 1979. The number of States adhering to treaties administered by WIPO also increased: as at 31 December 2001, 162 States were parties to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, 148 to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and 115 to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). On 26 April, World Intellectual Property Day was observed for the first time, under the theme “Creating the Future Today”.