Recently, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced the theme for World Intellectual Property Day 2026- "Intellectual Property and Sports: Each Ready, Ready, Innovate!".

WIPO introduces on its website that on April 26th every year, the world celebrates World Intellectual Property Day together. The World Intellectual Property Day in 2026 will focus on intellectual property and sports, exploring how intellectual property can drive the creation and innovation of the sports world. Sports are not just competitions - they are closely intertwined with fields such as fashion, entertainment, media, health, gaming, and consumer goods. From cutting-edge devices and rule changing technologies to inspiring brands and designs, intellectual property powers a vibrant sports culture that inspires and connects people around the world. Intellectual property such as patents, designs, trademarks, and copyrights incentivize innovation and promote the connection between sports and cross industry, stimulating creativity, technological progress, and economic growth.

WIPO calls on us to pay tribute to creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs on World Intellectual Property Day in 2026, whose passion and creativity drive the future of sports, keeping the sports world prosperous, vibrant, and benefiting everyone around the world. (Yu Zhi)