Message from the Director-General of WIPO for World Intellectual Property Day 2026

The Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Daren Tang, sent a message on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day 2026. The theme of this year's celebration of World IP Day is "Intellectual Property and Sport – Ready, Set, Innovate!".  

The Director-General of WIPO sent the following message:

„We all love watching sports. The speed, the power, the drama, the extraordinary moments. But behind every record that's broken and every breathtaking play, there's something important that most fans never see. Innovation. Creativity. Intellectual property.

Lighter shoes. Stronger rackets. Safer helmets. Patents protect these innovations, encouraging research and investments in sports-related technology.

And then there's the identity of sports. Team logos, athletes' names and images. Trademarks help build the brands that power global sports marketing and that fans rally around.

Design rights protect the style of sports. From swimsuits to gym wear to tennis outfits.

And when the action reaches our screens through broadcast and social media, copyright protects the content that connects billions of fans worldwide.

And all of these extend to esports as well, a huge and growing industry.

That is why this year, World IP Day celebrates IP and sports. Because sports is more than just competition. It is a multi-trillion dollar industry creating jobs and opportunities for many people. But this means knowing how to protect, manage and grow the many IP assets that are now part of sports.

Intellectual property helps athletes push performance further, helps fans connect with their favorite team, and gives sporting companies the confidence to invest in new gear, new systems and new ideas. Intellectual property doesn't just change the game, it shapes it.

Ready, set, innovate!“