World Intellectual Property Day

World Intellectual Property Day is an annual event established by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to promote and encourage innovation and creativity among the public, artists, inventors, and enterprises. The observance serves to acknowledge the significance of intellectual property (IP) rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright. It is aimed at familiarising people worldwide with the role IP rights play in establishing strong economies, encouraging social and cultural development, and promoting progress and welfare in countries around the globe.

World Intellectual Property Day has been celebrated worldwide since 2000, when the event was established by the members of WIPO to amplify the understanding of IP. For New Zealand, this day has been pivotal in focussing on the importance of IP rights to its creative and innovative industries — sectors that make substantial contributions to New Zealand’s economy. Events held across the nation aim not only to protect the original works of New Zealand’s creators but also to celebrate their creative and cultural achievements.

In New Zealand, World Intellectual Property Day is observed in various ways, such as seminars, workshops, and public discussions revolving around the theme for the particular year as set by WIPO. These activities involve a wide array of participants, ranging from inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, to legal practitioners specialising in IP matters. While the international observance is generally recognised on April 26th, activities and events in New Zealand may extend beyond this date to facilitate broader participation and engagement.