World Intellectual Property (IP) Day is observed annually on April 26. Established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to raise awareness of how patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs impact daily life, the day also celebrates creativity and recognizes the contributions made by creators and innovators to the development of societies around the world.

The theme this year is, “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity.” Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. At its core are the 17 SDGs, which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

From WIPO: “To build our common future and achieve the SDGs, we need to re-think how we live, work and play. World IP Day 2024 is an opportunity to explore how intellectual property encourages and can amplify the innovative and creative solutions that are so crucial to building our common future.” For more information, please visit the WIPO site.