Every year on 26 April, the world comes together to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day, an initiative created by WIPO to highlight the value of ideas and the rights that protect them. This year, the celebration brings the energy of sports and the impact of innovation into the spotlight. Join us as we explore how intellectual property keeps the world of sports creative, competitive and constantly evolving.

1. What is World IP day?

As nearly every important topic seems to have its own dedicated day (yes, even coffee and emojis have made the list), it is only fair that intellectual property has one too. Every year on 26 April, the world celebrates World Intellectual Property Day, a day dedicated to shining a spotlight on the power of ideas and the rights that protect them. The date marks the 1970 entry into force of the WIPO Convention, a milestone in celebrating innovation worldwide.

Since its launch in 2000, World IP Day has explored a new theme each year. Recent campaigns have highlighted topics such as Women and IP (2023), IP and the Sustainable Development Goals (2024), and IP and Music (2025). This year, things get a little more energetic with IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate (2026), celebrating the creators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and athletes who shape the sports industry.

At its core, World IP Day celebrates creativity and innovation in all areas of life. It also aims to bring intellectual property closer to everyone, not just legal specialists. Whether we notice it or not, IP is part of our everyday lives: in the logos on our favourite jerseys, the technology in our running shoes and the highlights we stream after a big game. In other words, IP is not just a legal concept, it is something that actively shapes how we live, work, and experience the world.

2. World IP Day 2026 Theme: IP and Sports

This year, World IP Day dives headfirst into the world of sports with the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” When we think about sports, our minds often go straight to the game itself, the thrill of competition and the roar of the crowd. But sports reach far beyond the field or arena. They influence fashion, entertainment, media, health, gaming, and even consumer goods.

Once we step off the field and look at the business and economic side of sports, intellectual property quickly comes into play. IP rights protect the work of the inventors, designers, and creators working behind the scenes, those who develop cutting-edge equipment, craft immersive fan experiences, and make sports accessible to everyone, even from the comfort of their own home.

IP ensures that the innovators and creators who keep sports thriving receive the recognition and fair rewards they deserve. This matters because the future of creativity and innovation depends on how much value we place on these contributions today. IP forms the foundation of the global sports economy and connects the many industries surrounding sports, allowing us to keep enjoying the spirit of the games, exciting events, and top-tier athletic performances.

3. Short Overview of IP in the Sports Business

To give you a better sense of how sports and IP come together, here are some key IP rights in the sports industry:

• Sports Patentsprotect new and inventive sports technologies and equipment, such as running shoes and swimsuits, by giving manufacturers exclusive rights to their innovations.
• Sports Trademarks safeguard the names, logos, symbols, slogans and other distinctive signs of teams, athletes and brands, distinguishing their products from others while helping fans recognize what is authentic.
• Sport Product Designs protect the unique appearance of sports equipment and apparel, such as the shape of a running shoe or the look of a swimsuit, helping brands stand out from competitors and preventing others from copying their designs.
• Broadcasting and Media Rights give broadcasters the exclusive authority to transmit live sports events, allowing them to earn back their investment in coverage while providing sports organizations with essential revenue to fund and grow the sport.

4. Get involved with World IP Day 2026

You can take part in the World IP Day 2026 celebrations through a wide range of activities. For example, you might launch a sport innovation mentoring program offering free IP and business consultations, or give athletes, fans and IP experts a platform to share their stories through radio shows, sports programs or podcasts. You can also help promote IP awareness in sports by writing short blog posts or social media updates about how intellectual property supports innovation across the sports sector.

If you want an easy way to join in, you can simply share your passion for sports by posting your favourite moments on social media using the hashtag #WorldIPDay and tagging @wipo. Communities and companies can join the celebration by hosting IP and sports themed events such as webinars, workshops or competitions. Young creators are also invited to take part in the World IP Day Youth Video Competition by submitting a 60 to 90 second video showing how IP fuels innovation in sports. Our firm will also be sharing World IP Day content on social media, so stay tuned!