World Intellectual Property Day

THE World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) defines Intellectual Property (IP) as “intellectual creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.” The right to these creations (patent, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright), are protected by law. IP rights play an important role in encouraging innovation and creativity and the law recognizes ownership to such creations.

World IP Day was celebrated on April 26 with various activities that include concerts and public performances focusing on the World IP theme; essay competitions for young people; seminars and lectures in universities to build awareness of IP and its benefits to students, faculty, and researchers; and exhibits in museums, art galleries, and educational institutions. Some local intellectual property and copyright offices also stage activities on or around April 26 to promote World IP Day. Educational institutions sometimes choose World IP Day to celebrate the works of a notable inventor, artist, designer, or entrepreneur.

World IP Day was established in 2000 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 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 societies around the globe.” April 26 was chosen as the date for World IP Day because it is the date the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization entered into force in 1970.

This year, World IP Day explored how innovation is making the lives of people healthier, safer, and more comfortable, turning problems into progress. It looked at how the IP system supports innovation by attracting investment, rewarding creators, encouraging them to develop their ideas, and ensuring their new knowledge is freely available such that tomorrow’s innovators can build on today’s new technology. On April 27-28, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) is supporting a WIPO workshop on “How to Make a Living from Music” with the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP).

World IP Day is a celebration of innovation as a human force. It highlights how new ideas contribute toward addressing today’s pressing global challenges, particularly the worsening impact of climate change, health issues, poverty, and the need to feed the world’s growing population.