Summary
- The article clarifies the distinction between WIPO, a UN agency managing various IP treaties, and TRIPS, a WTO agreement mandating minimum IP protection standards for member countries.
- WIPO offers centralized filing systems like the PCT and Madrid Protocol, while TRIPS sets baseline requirements for availability, acquisition, and enforcement of IP rights.
- Indian applicants must navigate both frameworks: complying with Section 39 of the Patents Act before filing abroad and leveraging WIPO’s systems or direct national filings as needed.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for founders seeking international IP protection, as they influence filing strategies and compliance obligations.
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