World Intellectual Property Organization

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that serves as the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, and information. It administers international treaties and maintains extensive databases for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, making it a central repository for business-related intellectual property information. These databases contain personal information submitted within IP filings, such as the names and addresses of inventors and applicants, which are made public as part of the international IP system. While this transparency is crucial for the functioning of patent and trademark law, it does expose the professional activities and affiliations of innovators. This public record could potentially be misused by bad actors for targeted phishing schemes or to track individuals' professional activities. Individuals filing for intellectual property protection should be aware that this information will become public and should manage their online presence accordingly, though there is no opt-out process for this legally mandated transparency.