CELEBRATING WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY, APRIL 26, 2026
“INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND SPORTS: READY - SET - INNOVATE”
To honor the role of intellectual property in socio-economic life and raise community awareness, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has designated April 26 each year as “World Intellectual Property Day” (World IP Day).
In 2026, WIPO announces the theme: “IP and Sports: Ready - Set - Innovate”. This year's theme honors the close relationship between intellectual property and the sports sector, one of the most dynamic, influential, and constantly innovating industries globally.
Sports are not just a playground for physical strength and spirit, but also a space for creativity and technology. From the design of competition apparel, sports equipment, and athlete support technology to broadcasting rights, club branding, and athlete imagery, everything is linked to the intellectual property protection system. It is thanks to this protection mechanism that creative ideas are guarded, investment is encouraged, and continuous innovation in the sports industry is promoted.
In the context of digital transformation and deep international integration, intellectual property acts as a “lever” to help sports develop sustainably. Data analytics technology, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), digital broadcasting platforms, broadcasting rights for sports programs, and related activities have been and are reshaping the way we experience sports. At the same time, intellectual property rights help ensure fairness, transparency, and commercial value for participating parties, from athletes and creators to businesses and sports organizations.
The 2026 theme is also a call for the younger generation to be “ready” with knowledge, “set” to take creative action, and “innovate” constantly to create new values. For learners and lecturers at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, this is an opportunity to gain a deeper perspective on the role of intellectual property in interdisciplinary fields, especially in media, culture, sports, and the creative industries.
Responding to World Intellectual Property Day 2026, the University encourages the community of learners and faculty members to raise awareness about intellectual property rights protection, respect the value of creativity, and proactively research, apply, and develop innovative ideas associated with practice.
Intellectual property not only protects creative results but also opens up “new tracks” for knowledge and innovation. On that journey, every individual is a “creative athlete”, contributing to building a sustainable future.
Reference source: WIPO and the Intellectual Property Office of Viet Nam
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