Umbrella Corporation

The Umbrella Corporation is a fictional bioengineering pharmaceutical company in the Resident Evil universe, that serves as one of main antagonists in the series. It is portrayed in the games as a major international player in a number of markets including pharmaceuticals, medical hardware,defense, and computers along with more clandestine operations utilizing genetic engineering and accused viral weaponry. The company is also presented as having a more public face, producing cosmetics, consumer products and foods. One of Umbrella's subsidiaries is UBCS (Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service), a private military contractor with a highly trained security force capable of rescue and reconnaissance paramilitary operations. (The corporation also uses its top-secret special forces group to secure and protect its assets and high profile employees.) Umbrella established multiple secret research facilities to develop various bio-weapons. The most prominent research facility is located in the Arklay Mountains, just outside of Raccoon City, and scientists in this facility were able to develop the “T-virus”, a powerful mutagen that could dramatically alter living and recently-dead organisms. The virus leaks and contaminates most of the Arklay Facility and its surrounding area, setting the stage for the original Resident Evil game.