World Forum Intellectual Property Agency

The World Forum Intellectual Property Agency, often abbreviated WFIPA or WIPA, is one of several specialized agencies of the World Forum. WIPA was formed to "encourages creative activity and promote the protection of throughout the world." It serves to shape intellectual property rules, policies, and protocols internationally. The agency facilitates global registration and protection of intellectual property and works to resolve disputes in regard to intellectual property. The objective is to encourage creativity across a wide spectrum of human endeavors, including writings, artistic works, inventions, and economic activities through safeguarding copyrights, patents, service marks, and trademarks.

XXX of xxx is the current Head of WIPA, which has its head offices in Ascara, Ventora. The agency also has 12 field offices in various locations around the world. WIPA derives about 75% of its funding from fees for its global services with the balance coming from member state contributions.

History
WIPA began operations on November 13, 1972 following the ratification of the Convention on Furthering Creativity and Safeguarding Intellectual Property.

Structure
In addition to a Secretariat, WIPA has several departments and bureaus to fulfill its objectives. The General Council, representing the member states, provides the general direction for implementation by the Head of WIPA through the departments and bureaus.
 * Global Services Department
 * Copyright Service Bureau
 * Patent Service Bureau
 * Service and Trademark Service Bureau
 * Arbitration and Mediation Bureau
 * Global Outreach Department
 * Communications Bureau
 * Data Services Bureau
 * Policies Bureau
 * WIPA Institute
 * Creativity Enhancement Department
 * Cultural Expansions Bureau
 * Health Collaborations Bureau
 * Environmental Knowledge Bureau