April 26 - World Intellectual Property Day: All You Need To Know

The event was established in 2000 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The 26th of April each year is observed as World Intellectual Property Day across the globe. This is the largest intellectual property public outreach campaign of the WIPO and is marked through onsite events, exhibitions, conferences, and more.

The main objective, as mentioned by WIPO, is to "raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks, and designs impact on daily life" and "to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of economies and societies across the globe".

Notably, World Intellectual Property Day 2023 will focus on the theme ‘Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity'.

A Brief History

The WIPO was established in the United States to develop a balanced and approachable international intellectual property (IP) system that would reward creativity, encourage innovation, and contribute to economic development.

In September 1988, the Director General of the National Algerian Institute for Industrial Property (INAPI) suggested establishing an International Intellectual Property Day in a statement to the 33rd Session of the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO.

The General Assembly of WIPO approved the idea in October 1999 at its 26th session. In the following year, WIPO's member states designated April 26 as World Intellectual Property Day.

Notably, April 26 was chosen because it coincides with the date on which the WIPO Convention (Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization) entered into force in 1970.

About the Celebrations

WIPO works together with several government agencies, non-government organizations, and community groups all around the world to organize various events on this day.

Public performances (especially concerts) are organized in several cities with a focus on the World IP Day theme.

Many schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions organize seminars and conferences to spread awareness about IP and its benefits.

Also, many museums, art galleries, and educational institutions organize various exhibitions focusing on the theme.

Nick Harkaway's Quote for Intellectual Property

"Intellectual property, more than ever, is a line drawn around information, which asserts that despite having been set loose in the world - and having, inevitably, been created out of an individual's relationship with the world, that information retains some connection with its author that allows that person some control over how it is replicated and used."