ICC's focus on intellectual property dates from before the time of the first World War. In the time since, ICC has become actively involved in the development of intellectual property policy, providing a voice for the business community in this rapidly changing field. The Commission on Intellectual Property works closely with other ICC Commissions to combine expertise on a number of current issues, including: access and benefit sharing (Environment & Energy), TRIPS (Trade & Investment Policy), the Internet (E-Business, IT & Telecoms) and anti-counterfeiting (Counterfeit Intelligence Bureau). It is also a main pillar of the ICC's BASCAP (Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy) initiative.

The Commission on Intellectual Property meets twice each year in plenary, but carries out work constantly throughout the year in issue-specific task forces. The Commission also meets regularly with representatives of WIPO and the WTO in Geneva, in addition to sending representatives to WIPO meetings, where ICC has observer status.