Few countries have contributed more to global innovation than the United States. That success has relied, in no small part, on a strong intellectual property (IP) system, which helps inventors protect their ideas, attract investment, and bring new technologies and creative works to the public.
Yet more Americans are needed at one of the world’s most important IP institutions.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations charged with administering global frameworks for patents, trademarks, and other forms of IP. Its work plays a significant role in the development and operation of IP systems around the world.
WIPO has recognized American leadership in select roles, including the recent appointment of Laura Peter, former deputy director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and C4IP advisory board member, to Deputy Director General for WIPO’s Patents and Technology Sector. Peter succeeds fellow American Lisa Jorgenson in the position.
Despite those laudable appointments, Americans remain underrepresented throughout WIPO’s ranks. According to WIPO’s latest figures, North America accounts for just over 9% of the organization’s professional positions, while Western Europe accounts for more than half.
This disparity represents a missed opportunity for Americans to contribute to the frameworks shaping international discussions and IP rights globally. Working at WIPO is an exciting and rewarding career, and more Americans should actively seek out jobs at WIPO posts.
You don’t have to be an experienced lawyer or an IP specialist to work at WIPO. While these positions are in demand, the organization also employs professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, at all stages of their careers, such as in public policy, translation, human resources, economics, finance, and library sciences. So, whether you’re just getting started and interested in international work, or a seasoned leader looking to shape the world’s IP system for the better, a career at WIPO might be the perfect fit.
WIPO is more than just an administrative body. The organization serves as a global policy forum where member states work toward international agreements, debate emerging technologies, and address some of the most challenging questions in intellectual property. It also supports the work of IP offices worldwide and provides practical services that help innovators secure intellectual property protection across borders.
For instance, WIPO currently administers the Patent Cooperation Treaty, which allows inventors to simultaneously seek patent protection in multiple member countries through a single international application, as well as the Madrid Protocol for streamlining trademark filings internationally.
Beyond that, the organization produces research on global innovation trends, publishes some of the world’s most comprehensive innovation data, and provides technical assistance to member states seeking to strengthen their IP systems.
The process of pursuing a post at WIPO is fairly straightforward. Current openings are listed on WIPO’s careers website, where applicants can review qualifications and apply for positions directly.
If you are a U.S. citizen and have applied for a position with WIPO, you can improve your chances by asking the U.S. government to advocate on your behalf. Additional resources, including how to request U.S. government advocacy, are available through the U.S. Department of State’s International Organization Careers program — an initiative designed to promote U.S. representation in international organizations like WIPO.
For those who value innovation, creativity, and sound IP policy, a career at WIPO offers a unique opportunity to work with colleagues from around the world and contribute on a global scale — while bringing a much-needed American perspective to one of the world’s most important intellectual property institutions.