The Commission on Intellectual Property is the voice of business worldwide on intellectual property issues at the cutting edge of international policy-making. The breadth of its membership, cutting across business sectors and regions, enriches and informs discussions and allows the commission to present truly cross-industry international business views.

The commission works to:

• improve the efficiency of IP systems
• communicate the role of the IP system as a positive force in the economy and society.
• support initiatives to help IP systems address new challenges
• raise awareness of intellectual property policy issues
• promote the use of intellectual property as a business tool

It actively contributes on issues arising from the areas of interface between intellectual property and other areas, such as the digital environment and the Internet, the environment, health, development, and competition policy.

Task forces work to develop and promote positions reflecting ICC business views.

The commission works closely with the World Intellectual Property Organization, the World Trade Organization, and other international intergovernmental organizations whose work touches on intellectual property, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity. It sends representatives to international meetings of these and other organizations.

Its biennial publication The ICC Intellectual Property Roadmap: Current and Emerging Issues for Business and other initiatives help raise awareness of IP policy issues and of the contribution the intellectual property system makes to economic, social and cultural development.

For more ICC papers on intellectual property go to the Document Centre.