World Intellectual Property Day - History, Significance, Theme

World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on April 26 to raise awareness about intellectual properties and how copyright, trademark, patents, etc. protect them. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was established this day in 2000. This year, the theme of World Intellectual Property is “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”.

The motive behind this day is to make people aware of intellectual property and how to protect them. In this article, we have shared information about World Intellectual Property Day, its theme, significance and history.

About World Intellectual Property Day

The purpose of World Intellectual Property Day is to raise awareness about the types and importance of intellectual property protection. The idea for this day was first shared in September 1988 at the 33rd Assembly Session of the WIPO Member States. World Intellectual Property Day was officially established on August 9, 1999.

Today, WIPO organises events on World IP Day in multiple countries around the world. To get an overview of World Intellectual Property Day, check out the details shared below.

What is World Intellectual Property Organization?

• World Intellectual Property Organization is the organization responsible for the establishment of World Intellectual Property Day.
• This organization acts as a global forum for intellectual property policy, services, and cooperation.
• WIPO is a self-funding United Nations agency that has 193 member states.

World Intellectual Property Day Theme 2023

The theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2023 is “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”. This year’s theme aims to instil a “can do” attitude in women creators and entrepreneurs. Every year, WIPO announces a new theme for World Intellectual Property Day.

Last year, the theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2022 was “IP and Youth: Innovating for a Better Future”. The celebrations also involved the first World Intellectual Day Youth Video Competition.

World Intellectual Property Day Theme

Check out the previous years’ World Intellectual Property Day themes given below.

World Intellectual Property Day - History

The history of World Intellectual Property Day can be traced back to September 1988, when the Director General of INAPI suggested the idea for the day. Here are the events that followed:

• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) established the day officially on August 9, 1999.
• The date of the 30th founding anniversary of WIPO, i.e., April 26, was announced as World Intellectual Property Day.
• The first World IP day was celebrated on April 26, 2000, with the participation of 59 Member countries.
• By 2005, 110 countries around the world were celebrating World Intellectual Property Day. The number rose to 189 countries by 2022.

World Intellectual Property Day - Significance

World Intellectual Property Day is significant because it highlights the importance of intellectual property. It is the perfect day to make people aware of copyrights, patents and trademarks. Here are some other reasons why World IP Day is considered significant:

• This day also celebrates creators around the world and their contributions to the growth of a region.
• On World Intellectual Property Day, public outreach campaigns are organized for people to understand the importance of intellectual property.
• Public events and programs are held on World Intellectual Property Day so that people can understand the concept of intellectual property better.

FAQs on World Intellectual Property Day

Q1. When is World Intellectual Property Day?

World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on April 26 every year. This day raises awareness about intellectual property and the role of trademarks, copyrights, patents, etc. play in protecting them. World Intellectual Property theme 2023 is “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”.

Q2. What is the theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2023?

The theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2023 is “Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”. Every year, WIPO announces a new theme for this day. This year’s World Intellectual Property Day theme aims to encourage women creators, entrepreneurs and inventors.

Q3. Why do we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day?

We celebrate World Intellectual Property Day to make people aware of the role of copyrights, patents and trademarks in protecting intellectual property. Moreover, this day is also about celebrating creators around the world and their contributions to global economic growth.

Q4. World Intellectual Property Day was established in?

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) established the day officially on August 9, 1999. The date of the 30th founding anniversary of WIPO, i.e., April 26, was announced as World Intellectual Property Day.

Q5. Who started World Intellectual Property Day?

The Director General of INAPI suggested the idea for the day for the first time in September 1988. However, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) established the day officially on August 9, 1999. It was celebrated for the first time in the following year.

Q6. Why is April 26 celebrated as World Intellectual Property Day?

April 26 commemorates the 30th founding anniversary of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Therefore, WIPO announced April 26 as the rightful date for World Intellectual Property Day. This day has been celebrated on April 26 every year since.