IPA enjoys observer status at UN organisations, including WIPO and UNESCO, and also maintains a close relationship with WTO. This allows IPA to influence international copyright policy in various ways:

IPA has the right to attend diplomatic conferences dealing with copyright issues, and can make oral and written submissions outlining the views or concerns of the publishing industry on a particular initiative. This way, IPA can ensure that diplomatic delegates consider the needs of the book and journal publishing industry prior to voting on the adoption of a treaty or other policy measure. IPA can therefore actively contribute to the introduction or improvement of copyright laws.

IPA's regular contacts with key staff of the WIPO, UNESCO and WTO Secretariats allow IPA to identify issues early on and to offer advice and guidance in the interest of the international publishing community.