Copyright: How the World Intellectual Property Organisation — WIPO -Protect Writers and Artists.
In 1974, a little known organization joined the United Nations. It was known as WIPO, short for World Intellectual Property Organization. It had its roots in 1883 when fourteen countries met in Paris and established conventions for the protection of trademarks, inventions (patents) and industrial designs. Three years later, in 1886, at the Berne Convention, copyright was born so that writers, musicians and artists could have protection for their work as well.
The individuals who attended these two conventions (in 1883 and 1886) formed a small organization (initially named BIRPI) that was based in Berne, Switzerland and had a staff of seven. In 1960, BIRPI moved to Geneva, then reorganized, changed its name to WIPO (World International Property Organization), and joined the United Nations in 1974.
Gradually the scope of WIPO grew, particularly with the advent of the Internet. The WIPO-UNESCO Committee of Government Experts on Copyright Problems arising from the Use of Computers for Access and Creation of Works was held in Paris in December 1980 and June 1982 to decide on Internet issues.
It was probably this convention that made WIPO a mainstream organization for the first time. By the early part of the 21st century, it had 182…
