World Intellectual Property Day (World IP Day) is annually observed across the globe on 26 April to raise awareness and understanding of intellectual property (IP) and the significance of IP in fostering innovation and creativity globally.
The day also marks the anniversary of the establishment of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- The theme of World IP Day 2024 is, “IP and the SDGs: building our common future with innovation and creativity“.
Significance:
i.The Day is an opportunity to highlight the role of IP rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyrights, foundation for encouraging innovation and creativity.
ii.The 2024 observance honours individuals worldwide driving innovation and creativity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), building a sustainable future for all.
Background:
i.In 2000, WIPO’s member states designated April 26 of every year as World IP Day, to increase general awareness and understanding of IP.
ii.The 1st ever World IP Day was observed on 26 April 2001.
Why April 26?
i.26 April marks the day on which the WIPO Convention came into force in 1970.
ii.WIPO Convention is the constituent instrument of WIPO, signed in Stockholm, Sweden on July 14, 1967, entered into force in 1970, and was amended in 1979.
Points to Note:
i.WIPO is the United Nations (UN) agency that serves the world’s innovators and creators, offering robust protection and support for their ideas.
ii.As the specialised UN agency for IP, innovation, and creativity, WIPO has a unique role in supporting the achievement of the SDGs.
What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
i.IP encompasses creations of the mind, including inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, commercial symbols, names, and images.
ii.IP is safeguarded in law, allowing creators to derive recognition or financial rewards from their innovations.
iii.The IP system aims to strike a balance between the rights of innovators and the broader public interest, fostering an environment conducive to creativity and innovation.
Types of IP:
Patent: Patents are territorial rights. It is an exclusive right granted for an invention. It can be a product or a process offering a new solution.
Copyright: Copyright, or author’s right, is a legal term used to describe the creator’s rights over their literary and artistic works.
Trademark: It is a sign that distinguishes the goods or services of one business from another. It’s a form of intellectual property protection.
Geographical Indication (GI): It is used on products indicating a specific geographical origin. The product’s qualities or reputation stem from its origin.
Trade Secrets: Trade Secrets are IP rights on confidential information that may be sold or licensed.
Key Points:
According to the WIPO report titled “Mapping Innovations Patents and the Sustainable Development Goals”,
- There are over 15.2 million active patent families globally, of these over 4.7 million (31.4%) relate to the UN SDGs.
- Patent-filing activity is particularly high for inventions aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), constituting 19% of active patents.
2024 Event in India:
As a part of the celebration of World IP Day 2024, The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) organised a national workshop at the seminar hall of CSIR-NIScPR S.V. Marg campus, New Delhi, Delhi.
- The theme of the workshop was “IP and SDGs: Innovating for a Shared Future.”
- Prof. Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademark (CGPDTM), graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Note:NIScPR is a constituent laboratory under CSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, dedicated to science communication, policy research, and promoting scientific awareness.
About World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO):
Director General– Daren Tang (Singapore)
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
