In 1994 WIPO members decided to establish the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center in Geneva, Switzerland.

As described on the WIPO website, the Arbitration and Mediation Center is "to offer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options including arbitration and mediation services for the resolution of international commercial disputes between private parties. Developed by leading experts in cross-border dispute settlement, the arbitration and mediation procedures offered by the Center are widely recognized as particularly appropriate for technology, entertainment and other disputes involving intellectual property...

"The Center has also focused significant resources on establishing an operational and legal framework for the administration of disputes relating to the Internet and electronic commerce. For example, today the Center is recognized as the leading dispute resolution service provider for disputes arising out of the abusive registration and use of Internet domain names. In addition, the Center is frequently consulted on other specialized dispute resolution services.

"An independent and impartial body, the Center administratively is part of the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization."