World Intellectual Property Day

World Intellectual Property Day History

World Intellectual Property Day serves as a reminder of the influential role intellectual property rights (patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs) play in spurring innovation and creativity. This day also seeks to spread awareness about how patents, trademarks, and copyright laws protect ideas and inventions, fostering industrial development and economic growth. The observance also encourages everyone globally, regardless of their location or profession, to consider how intellectual property rights impact their lives, both at work and in their leisure time.

The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), an international body, in 2000. For India, a country known for its rich culture and innovative industries, World Intellectual Property Day carries significant relevance. It not only highlights the power of India's intellectual property in the global economy but also emphasizes its role in promoting the progress of science and useful arts. This day can be seen as a crucial tool for India in its ongoing efforts to preserve its cultural heritage, protect indigenous knowledge, and promote local ingenuity, creativity, and innovation.

World Intellectual Property Day in India is often observed through a series of informative activities, including seminars, lectures, and workshops aimed at raising awareness of intellectual property rights. Partnerships are often formed between governmental, non-profit, and private sector bodies to carry out these events, emphasising the importance of a holistic approach to intellectual property protection. World Intellectual Property Day is observed each year on April 26th, highlighting India's commitment to fostering a culture where innovation is rewarded, creativity is celebrated, and intellectual assets are legally and rightfully protected.

Facts about World Intellectual Property Day

• The theme for World Intellectual Property Day in 2025 was Tunning in with the music of innovation and creativity. In 2024 the theme was IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.
  In 2023, the theme was Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity.
• Intellectual property holds immense economic value. In fact, in many global companies, the value of IP assets greatly exceeds the value of their physical assets.
• The duration of IP rights can vary dependent on the type. Copyrights generally last for the lifetime of the creator plus 70 years, while patents typically last for 20 years from the date of filing. Trademarks can last indefinitely, provided they are continually used and defended.
• Most important historical or interesting fact about IP rights in India is that India's first patent was granted to Rukhmabai for a pollution control device in 2006. Rukhmabai was 100 years old at that time.
• India became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, and consequently, its intellectual property laws were brought in line with the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement.

In the News and Trending in India for World Intellectual Property Day

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Explore event ideas and activities for World Intellectual Property Day. The World Intellectual Property Organization offers workshops and programs for participants.
• Learn more about how intellectual property can help a business. Intellectual property can help protect products and services, increase brand visibility, and help eliminate risks to valuable information.
• Participate in Government Initiatives: The Government of India also takes numerous initiatives to cultivate awareness about IPR. The Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, conducts varied activities to mark this day.
• Read a book to learn more about Intellectual Property in India:
  1) Intellectual Property Rights: Unleashing The Knowledge Economy - by Prabuddha Ganguli
  2) Guide To Intellectual Prop. Rights: How To Protect Your Ideas - by V K Ahuja.