World Intellectual Property Day

The theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2026 is “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”. Sports aren’t just about the game — they reach into fashion, entertainment, media, health, gaming and consumer goods. IP rights enable cross-industry connections with sport, sparking creativity, technological advancement and economic growth. Even when we’re not watching a game in the stadium or on the court cheering, the impact of sports and IP is part of our daily lives. World Intellectual Property Day 2026 celebrates how creativity and innovation, backed by IP rights, keep the world of sports thriving, dynamic and accessible for everyone, everywhere. Join the #WorldIPDay celebrations on April 26th , and together let’s honor the contributions of the creators, inventors and entrepreneurs working behind the scenes to push the boundaries of athletic performance, improve audience experience and bring sports events to every home.

This World IP Day , athletes, creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide show how IP rights keep the world of sports thriving . Let their stories inspire your own passion for sports and innovation! "Securing IP protection is critical for funding as it demonstrates novelty and potential impact. Every investor, including charitable foundations and government organizations, wants to know what impact their investment will have on the target population." Read the article: "Paralympian Rory Cooper drives innovation for people with disabilities" “The Historical African Martial Arts Association (HAMAA) is a community of martial artists, instructors, scholars, and artisans working to share information, connect, and learn about the history and culture of martial arts in Africa and the African diaspora.” Read the article: "HAMAA at the Forefront of Historical Martial Arts Protection" “Players and athletes are far more IP savvy today, and are increasingly bre...

  Behind every sporting triumph are years of dedication and sacrifice. But illegal streaming puts athletes, fans, and the entire sports ecosystem at risk. Discover how you can support your favorite players, stay safe online and keep the spirit of sport alive . Video produced with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea and in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

 Expand your knowledge of IP rights beyond the game.  About Sports and IP

From football to tennis to ice skating, in every sporting field, inventors and creators are working behind the scenes to push the boundaries of athletic performance, improve audience experience and bring sports events to every home.  IP rights – and the legal protection they give – are the basis for key business transactions that secure the economic value of sports and push the industry forward. Thanks to steady industry growth, sporting organizations can finance high-profile sports events and promote sports development worldwide. The sports industry also contributes to the world economy, creating jobs and developing public infrastructure. Learn more

Sports show intellectual property (IP) in action. Patents encourage technological advances that result in better sporting equipment. Trademarks, brands and designs contribute to the distinct identity of events, teams and their gear. Copyright-related rights generate the revenues needed for broadcasters to invest in the costly undertaking of broadcasting sports events to fans worldwide. IP rights are the basis of licensing and merchandising agreements that earn revenues to support the development of the sports industry. PUBLICATION:  Reference Guide to Sustaining Sport and its Development through IP Rights A guide to the development of national strategies for sports and its development through IP. Read the full publication.

From the sports shoe to the swimsuit and the tennis racket to the football, sports technologists have applied their ingenuity, creativity and expertise to develop better and safer equipment in the quest for sporting excellence. About Sports Patents

Brands are critical for creating business value, and the sports business is no exception. Strong brands command customer loyalty and premium prices, constituting valuable assets that drive company revenue and growth.  About Sports Trademarks

By acquiring IP rights and using them strategically, sports organizations and other rights owners can protect and increase their income-generating potential. Learn more About Sports Sponsorships

What kind of IP-related disputes are common in the sports area, and how to resolve them. Learn more  About IP and Dispute Resolution in Sports .

Copyright and related rights, particularly those relating to broadcasting organizations, underpin the relationship between sports and television and other media. Learn more About Copyright and Broadcasting Rights in Sports