The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has recently unveiled the theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2026, titled “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!”

According to information published on WIPO’s website, World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated globally on April 26 each year.

World Intellectual Property Day 2026 will focus on intellectual property and sports, exploring how IP drives creativity and innovation across the sporting world. Sports are more than competition—they are closely intertwined with fashion, entertainment, media, health, gaming, and consumer goods. From cutting-edge equipment and game-changing technologies to inspiring brands and designs, intellectual property powers a vibrant sports culture, inspiring and connecting people around the world.

Intellectual property rights, including patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and copyright, incentivize innovation and foster cross-industry collaboration between sports and related sectors, fueling creativity, technological advancement, and economic growth.

WIPO calls on the global community to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day 2026 by honoring the creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs whose passion and ingenuity are shaping the future of sports—ensuring that the sporting world remains dynamic, inclusive, and beneficial to people everywhere.