The relationship between WIPO and the WTO

Written from the perspective of someone with experience in both WIPO and WTO, the author examines the present relationship between the two organizations, identifying it as one where, after the major change brought about by the successful negotiation of the TRIPS Agreement under the WTO umbrella, WIPO has maintained a comparative advantage over the WTO in terms of its technical expertise and resources. The relationship has not always been easy, particularly in the early days before the conclusion of the TRIPS Agreement. Overall, however, there is a healthy balance between the two organizations, each with its own role in relation to intellectual property matters.