Intellectual Property Associations

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

The World Intellectual Property Organization was established in 1970, following the entry into force of the WIPO Convention in 1967, with a mandate from its Member States to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world through cooperation among States and in collaboration with other international organizations. The Organization became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1974. The Director General is Francis Gurry. Based in Geneva, with an international staff of some 1,300 employees, WIPO counts 184 Member States – more than 90 percent of the world’s countries. WIPO is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.
wipo.int

World

International Trademark Association (INTA)
The International Trademark Association is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property as elements of fair and effective commerce.
The Association was founded in 1878 by 17 merchants and manufacturers who saw a need for an organization “to protect and promote the rights of trademark owners, to secure useful legislation and to give aid and encouragement to all efforts for the advancement and observance of trademark rights.”
Today, 5,900 trademark owners, professionals and academics from more than 190 countries make INTA a powerful network of powerful brands. Members of INTA find true value in the Association’s global trademark research, policy development, and education and training.
inta.org

World Customs Organization (WCO)
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is the only intergovernmental organisation exclusively focused on Customs matters. With its worldwide membership, the WCO is now recognised as the voice of the global Customs community. It is particularly noted for its work in areas covering the development of global standards, the simplification and harmonisation of Customs procedures, trade supply chain security, the facilitation of International Trade, the enhancement of Customs enforcement and compliance activities, anti-counterfeiting and piracy initiatives, public-private partnerships, integrity promotion, and sustainable global Customs capacity building programmes. The WCO also maintains the international Harmonized System goods nomenclature, and administers the technical aspects of the WTO Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin.
wcoomd.org

Europe

EU Single Market – Intellectual Property
The abolition of trade borders in Europe does not mean less protection for the rights of consumers and businesses. The four freedoms of movement – of goods, services, people and capital – are underpinned by a range of supporting policies aimed at combating illegal activities, fostering legitimate trade and protecting the interests of individuals and companies.
ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/policy/intellectual-property_en

European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
EUIPO is the European Union Intellectual Property Office responsible for managing the EU trade mark and the registered Community design. We also work with the IP offices of the EU Member States and international partners to offer a similar registration experience for trade marks and designs across Europe and the world.
euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en