ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the extent to which advances in technology and other developments in related areas have influenced the ways in which World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) addresses the issue of rulemaking in the field of intellectual property. Proponents of a dispute settlement mechanism at WIPO favored an internal settlement mechanism because not all intellectual property treaties are covered by the World Trade Organization dispute settlement mechanism. The Secretariat of WIPO has therefore explored other means for advancing the development of international intellectual property law that could supplement the treaty procedures. An organization's ability is particularly important in the field of intellectual property. In order to ensure WIPO's continued relevance, viability, and legitimacy in an increasingly globalized world, the Organization must adapt its traditional rulemaking processes by adopting more rapid, transparent, effective, and politically acceptable means of norm creation.
