About World Intellectual Property Day
World Intellectual Property Day, on 26 April, raises awareness of how patents, trademarks, copyright and designs encourage innovation and creativity. It was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000.
World Intellectual Property Day explains how intellectual property, or IP, supports innovation and creativity. IP includes patents for inventions, trademarks for brands, copyright for creative works and industrial designs.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) established the day in 2000. It is held on 26 April because the WIPO Convention came into force on that date in 1970. The day is a chance to recognise inventors, artists, writers, designers and entrepreneurs, and to show how protecting their work encourages more of it.
How it is marked
WIPO and national IP offices hold events, talks and campaigns around a yearly focus. Law schools, universities and technology institutes host seminars on patents, copyright and trademarks, businesses and start-ups run sessions on protecting their brands and inventions, and schools introduce students to the idea of respecting other people's creative work.
In India, IP offices, law schools and innovation centres often mark the day with awareness sessions for students, researchers and entrepreneurs.
What to write
Celebrate the person's ideas or creative work, and wish them success in building on it.
- Congratulations on the patent! Years in the lab, and now it's official. Happy World Intellectual Property Day.
- Heard your brand name is now a registered trademark. It's properly yours. So proud.
- Thanks for always crediting my photos when you share them. Small thing, but it means a lot.
How to wish someone on World Intellectual Property Day
respect for inventors, creators and makers, and for protecting the ideas and work they bring to life
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April?
The date marks the entry into force of the Convention establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization on 26 April 1970.
What are the main types of intellectual property?
The main types are patents for inventions, trademarks for brand names and logos, copyright for creative works such as books, music and software, and industrial designs.
How can students mark World Intellectual Property Day?
Students can learn how copyright applies to what they share online, credit the creators whose work they use, and explore how famous inventions were patented.
When is World Intellectual Property Day in 2026?
World Intellectual Property Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
What is World Intellectual Property Day?
World Intellectual Property Day, on 26 April, raises awareness of how patents, trademarks, copyright and designs encourage innovation and creativity. It was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000.
Is World Intellectual Property Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Intellectual Property Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Intellectual Property Day?
Focus on respect for inventors, creators and makers, and for protecting the ideas and work they bring to life. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Intellectual Property Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .