The most important organisations
of the Inventors World Meeting 1998.

World Intellectual Property Organisation The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), with a present membership of 161 states was established in 1970 and became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1974. The main activities are to establish international norms and standards in the field of intellectual property, especially through international treaties; to administer treaties which embody such norms and standards as well as treaties that facilitate the filing of applications for the protection of inventions, trademarks and industrial designs; to provide industrial property information, especially the legal-technical information contained in patent documents and in the international register of marks. WIPO also carries out a substantial program of legal and technical assistance to developing countries and countries in transition to market economy.

The International Federation of Inventors' Association The International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA) is a non-governmental organisation created in 1968. It is based in Geneva, Switzerland. IFIA members come from nearly one hundred countries. IFIA is the spokesman of inventors worldwide. Main activities are: publication of reference books, guides, surveys, studies, newsletters; conference, seminars, workshops, expert group meetings, lectures; training courses (particularly in developing countries); inventions competitions and awards; illustrative exhibits on inventors/inventions; assistance in the creation of inventors associations; consultative services; creation of international networks among inventors.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 299, CH-1211 Geneva 12, Switzerland
Tel.: + 41 22 789 3074, fax: + 41 22 789 3076

Association of Hungarian Inventors (MAFE) The Association of Hungarian Inventors (MAFE) was refunded in 1989. Between 1945 and 1989 the inventors in Hungary did not have any organisation. One of the most important missions of the Association is the commercialisation of inventions. The Association of Hungarian Inventors promotes the selling of Hungarian inventions abroad, and the import of foreign inventions and new products to Hungary. The members of MAFE were awarded two hundred prizes in the last five years at international exhibitions.