It is "World Intellectual Property Day"

source: tklglaw.com

Holidays are usually a form of unity and oneness in the affairs of mankind. So today, 26 April 2025, showcases its own instituted holidays to be observed by all concerned.

Holidays Calendar submits that "World Intellectual Property Day" is a holiday that’s observed every year on April 26th. It was first established in 2000 by the World Intellectual Property Organization to raise the public’s awareness of how trademarks, copyrights, and patents impact everyone’s daily lives.

They also created it to show the public the importance to artists and creators of ensuring their intellectual property remains safeguarded. Since intellectual property is important for innovation and creativity, this is a day that everyone should consider celebrating when it rolls around in April.

The History of World Intellectual Property Day

In September of 1998, this holiday was first proposed by the Director-General of the National Algerian Institute for Industrial Property. The following April, the institutionalization of the idea was proposed to the U.N. General Assembly.

In August of 1999, the Chinese delegation to the World Intellectual Property Organization also recommended the adoption of a World Intellectual Property Day. In October of that same year, WIPO’s General Assembly approved the adoption of this day, and in April of 2000, it was observed for the very first time.

Interesting Facts About Intellectual Property

Anyone who wants to celebrate Intellectual Property Day and is interested in learning more about intellectual property and its impact on society is going to want to stick around. That’s because we’ve come up with some interesting facts that will highlight some important aspects of IP and its effect on the world.

Intellectual Property Can Be Placed in One of Two Different Categories

All intellectual property can be placed in two basic categories: intellectual property that requires registration, and intellectual property that doesn’t. The IP in the first category includes patents, registered designs, domain names, and trademarks. The IP in the second category includes unregistered designs, copyrights, common law trademarks, and confidential information.

What’s a Patent?

A patent is a legal right that allows the patent owner to stop someone else from making, using, or selling a particular invention. Most patents have to do with technical inventions, but there are patents extended for solving a particular problem or approaching a problem in a unique way.

What Are Registered Trademarks?

Trademarks relate to a company or individual’s branding. They are used to brand a company or to sell a particular service or product under a brand name. Trademarks are signs, logos, and words that distinguish different companies and products from one another in the marketplace.

What Are Registered Designs?

If an individual or company wants to protect the visual appearance or shape of a product, then they may obtain a registered design. Registered designs can be for traditional objects, typefaces, or computer symbols.

Observing World Intellectual Property Day

A variety of different events are held on this day, with the majority of them orchestrated by a collaboration between the World Intellectual Property Organization and various governmental agencies, individuals, and community groups

These events include concerts in which the performers underline the importance of intellectual property, lectures, and seminars on the subject of intellectual property, and exhibits held at museums, schools, and other educational institutions. Anyone wishing to spread the word about this holiday can also use the hashtag #WorldIntellectualPropertyDay on their social media accounts

However, according to The Kinder Law group, the term “intellectual property” can refer to a large variety of creations of the mind. As such, each type of IP comes with its own unique stipulations and laws. Whether you are looking to protect your intellectual property or are simply beginning to explore a new idea, it’s best to know as much as possible about the type of property involved and potential ways you can protect it.

Intellectual property can exist as one of six major types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs, databases, and trade secrets. Learn more about each below.

1. Patents. The patent area of intellectual property law is dedicated to inventions and products. When you patent a product, you are preventing other people from making an identical product and selling it on the market. This means that you have a unique standing in the community as the product’s inventor and sole distributor. If other individuals or companies want to market and sell what you’ve patented, they must first obtain permission from you. You must apply for a patent through the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, it is important to note that patents do not last forever. With few exceptions, patents last 20 years from the initial filing date. In addition, not all products and ideas can be patented. Mathematical methods, scientific discoveries, surgical procedures, game strategies, and business methods are among the ideas that cannot be placed under a patent.

2. Trademarks. Trademarks are common in the United States, and most people are familiar with the US trademark symbol (™). Trademarks protect visual aspects of a brand, such as a logo and packaging. However, almost anything that can be used to help a brand or service stand out from its competitors can be trademarked. For example, the world’s largest search engine company has distinctive colors and branding on its homepages, buildings, and products. These are trademarked, so this specific combination and style cannot be used by others.

3. Copyright.  Copyright law is applied to artistic and literary projects. Items like books, movies, paintings, and other types of art and entertainment are often copyright protected. This allows the creators to protect their ideas and the content that makes the final project unique. Copyrights are different from a trademark in that they apply specifically to the content, not the branding. For example, a well-known book series’ special font and logo might be trademarked, but the content and story are copyrighted instead. The copyright prevents others from writing books too similar to the famous series.

4. Design.  Design is a unique area of intellectual property law because it does not encompass the essential function of an object or its branding. Instead, it protects the intrinsic design of the object or the ways in which the object is aesthetically different from competitors. For example, famous tennis shoe companies secure design protections for their uniquely designed tennis shoes. This doesn’t mean no other shoe company can make tennis shoes; it just means that they cannot utilize the specific patented design that makes the original shoe unique to its creator.

5. Database.  This is a rather narrow aspect of intellectual property because it truly only applies to databases. Databases are collections of information that are stored in one place and accessed via computers—and many prove valuable for companies seeking contact information, demographic information, and other knowledge about another entity’s client base. When a database is created, its owner has sole control over its content and who can use it. These rights last for 15 years, at which time others may use the database.

6. Trade Secrets. Trade secrets are items or services certain companies have created and customized to gain an advantage over their competitors. As you might expect, trade secrets are often found in restaurants and fast food companies. For example, a certain fried chicken chain’s secret blend of herbs and spices is considered a trade secret. The creators know that they have formulated an appealing seasoning for their product, and they have an edge over the competition by keeping the recipe a secret. There is no official process by which users must create an official trade secret. For example, if a business had to apply for the designation, they would need to divulge the trade secret to a governing body, which defeats the entire purpose of a secret. Instead, a business simply decides to keep the components of a competitive product or method to themselves. They must simply be able to present their case to an official panel to protect the secret from infringement or defend it if they are accused of trade secret appropriation. Similarly, it is the burden of the company to protect its own trade secret. For example, the aforementioned chicken restaurant might require employees to sign a nondisclosure agreement before learning the ingredients of the spice blend. This allows the company to take legal action if an employee or ex-employee spreads the secret recipe.

Still on this day, we have the following international and national holidays: SECRETARIES' DAY, DAY OF REMEBRANCE OF THE CHERMOBYL TRAGEDY, UNION DAY, and HUG AN AUSTRALIAN DAY.