World Intellectual Property Day 2026 will focus on sport

World Intellectual Property Day 2026 will focus on sport

World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated every April 26 with the main objective of highlighting the importance of industrial and intellectual property (IP) rights in promoting innovation and technological development around the world.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced that the 2026 edition will focus on sport, with the aim of showing how patents, trademarks, and designs drive innovation in this sector, improving athletes' performance and inspiring fans around the world.

“IP and sport: ready, set, innovate!” is the slogan chosen to celebrate this great event.

Today, sport transcends its recreational dimension and has built an entire industry that interacts daily with other sectors such as fashion, entertainment, media, health, and video games, among others. Industrial and intellectual property rights foster these synergies, promoting creativity, innovation, and economic and social development.

Sports culture is a source of inspiration around the world, as behind every victory there are years of effort, dedication, and sacrifice. Keeping these values alive also means adequately protecting the IP rights of the sports industry and actively combating the illegal activities that threaten and put it at risk, such as the illegal broadcasting of sporting events or the counterfeiting of jerseys or sneakers.

IP rights, due to the legal protection they provide, safeguard the economic value of the sector and drive innovation. Thanks to this constant growth, international sports organizations can promote the development of sport around the world and make it increasingly inclusive, extending its benefits to all individuals and groups.

The sports industry accounts for a significant part of the global economy and generates millions of direct and indirect jobs across the globe.

More information

World Intellectual Property Day - April 26, 2026