In 2000, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) designated April 26 as the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day. On April 26, 1970, the WIPO Convention came into force. Aim The World IP Day is celebrated with the aim of increasing general understanding of IP. World IP Day emphasizes the importance of a balanced IP system to recognize and reward inventors and creators for their work and ensure that society benefits from their creativity and ingenuity. IP rights enable researchers, inventors, businesses, designers, artists and others to legally protect their innovative and creative outputs and secure an economic return from them. What is Intellectual Property? Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. Types of intellectual property Patent : A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention. Generally speaking, a patent provides the patent owner with the right to decide how - or whether - the invention can be used by others. In exchange for this right, the patent owner makes technical information about the invention publicly available in the published patent document. Copyright : Copyright is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have over their literary and artistic works. Works covered by copyright range from books, music, paintings, sculpture and films, to computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps and technical drawings. Trademarks : A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. Trademarks date back to ancient times when artisans used to put their signature or "mark" on their products. Industrial designs : An industrial design constitutes the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article. A design may consist of three-dimensional features, such as the shape or surface of an article, or of two-dimensional features, such as patterns, lines or color. Geographical indications : Geographical indications and appellations of origin are signs used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, a reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that place of origin. Most commonly, a geographical indication includes the name of the place of origin of the goods. Trade secrets : Trade secrets are IP rights on confidential information which may be sold or licensed. The unauthorized acquisition, use or disclosure of such secret information in a manner contrary to honest commercial practices by others is regarded as an unfair practice and a violation of the trade secret protection. Theme for 2026- IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate This World IP Day, athletes, creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide show how IP rights keep the world of sports thriving. Sports aren’t just about the game - they intersect with fashion, entertainment, media, health, gaming and consumer goods. IP such as patents, designs, trademarks, and copyrights, incentivizes innovation and enables cross-industry connections with sport, sparking creativity, technological advancement and economic growth. Even when you’re outside the stadium or off the court, sports and IP are part of your daily life – just look down at the sneakers on your feet. 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. Source : WIPO