WIPO's Bold Transformation: AI, Efficiency, and a Customer-First Future
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is undergoing a major transformation under Director General Daren Tang. Changes include modernising internal operations, adopting artificial intelligence, and improving how the organisation engages with its users. Deputy Director Lisa Jorgenson recently discussed these shifts at a high-profile industry event. WIPO's evolution focuses on efficiency and foresight. The agency is embedding AI into core workflows to streamline processes and better anticipate global IP trends. It is also investing in internal expertise to stay ahead in areas like standard-essential patents (SEPs) and digital infrastructure.
The organisation's financial model plays a key role in its approach. WIPO is largely self-funded through services such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which gives companies a 30-month window to file priority claims. This revenue structure reinforces a customer-first philosophy, shaping how WIPO designs its services.
To enhance user experience, WIPO has introduced dedicated account managers for major clients. The goal is to make interactions smoother and more responsive. Meanwhile, Jorgenson's cross-functional background—spanning corporate, policy, and international roles—has been vital in guiding these operational and cultural changes.
Beyond internal improvements, WIPO is positioning itself as a stabilising force in a complex global IP landscape. It helps countries develop tailored IP systems that align with their economic priorities, using a flexible 'menu-based' approach. WIPO's reforms aim to make the organisation more agile and user-focused. By integrating AI, refining customer service, and strengthening its financial model, the agency is preparing for future challenges in intellectual property. These steps reflect a broader strategy to remain relevant in an ever-changing global economy.
