World Intellectual Property Day – April 26, 2021

In 2000, WIPO’s member states designated April 26 – the day on which the WIPO Convention came into force in 1970 – as World IP Day with the aim of increasing general understanding of IP.

Since then, World IP Day has offered a unique opportunity each year to join with others around the globe to consider how IP contributes to the flourishing of music and the arts and to driving the technological innovation that helps shape our world.

The World IP Day theme for 2021 is “IP & SMEs: Taking your ideas to market”. At a time when the imperative of economic recovery is high, World Intellectual Property Day 2021 shines a light on the critical role of SMEs in the economy and how they can use IP rights to build stronger, more competitive and resilient businesses.

More details and information are available on the WIPO IP Day website. You are encouraged to celebrate World IP Day and to organize your own virtual World IP Day event (inspiration can be found here). A social media kit prepared by the WIPO Secretariat can be used to promote World IP Day.

Upcoming events can be found on the WIPO World IP Day Calendar. You can also submit your own event for inclusion in this calendar.