In 2004, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), monitored 61 instances of new countries adhering to intellectual property treaties, a record for the organisation. Growing recognition of the importance of copyright and intellectual property rights, in an age where economic growth is increasingly driven by knowledge and information, was held responsible for the rise. Countries adhering to the various treaties and conventions included Syria, Pakistan, Namibia, the European Union, Germany, Iran, Belgium, Croatia and Denmark. New signatories to the Berne Convention – the convention for the protection of literary and artistic works - were Andorra, Bhutan, Ireland, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Viet Nam, bring the total number of signatories to 157. Meanwhile, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates signed onto the Rome Convention – for the protection of performers, producers and broadcasting organisations. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is an international organisation dedicated to promoting the use and protection of works of the human spirit. These works -- intellectual property -- are expanding the bounds of science and technology and enriching the world of the arts. Through its work, WIPO plays an important role in enhancing the quality and enjoyment of life, as well as creating real wealth for nations. The increasing number of signatories to the WIPO treaties in 2004 is an important step in putting a halt to global trafficking in intellectual and artistic property – which is growing increasingly difficult to control as borders grow more malleable. For more information about the treaties, or WIPO, please Click Here