Today is World IP Day, and this year’s theme is IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.

In a video message marking the occasion, WIPO Director General Daren Tang (right) said: “To put the SDGs back on track, we need to harness intellectual property as a catalyst to unleash the power of innovation and creativity to address our common global challenges.”

“On this World IP Day, let us come together as a global community and use the power of IP to achieve the SDGs to build a better future for all of us,” he concluded

WIPO has announced the winners of the World IP Day Youth Video Competition, with the theme “With IP, we can dream of a better future, turn our ideas into reality and create a world where everyone thrives”. There were more than 100 entries and the winners came from Nigeria, Brazil, Bulgaria and Indonesia.

The Organization has also posted a World IP Day Changemakers’ Gallery and other resources which are available here.

EUIPO has posted videos to mark the day. EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão, said: “IP is not just a legal or technical matter: It drives innovation in order to address global challenges and pave the way towards sustainability … Now, more than ever before, we need to work together to create a culture where IP is valued and protected as an essential component of a successful and sustainable business environment.”

It has also published an article by Eleonora Rosati on “The green advantage: IP’s role in sustainable branding”.

The European Patent Office and European Investment Bank have published a joint study showing that cleantech inventions grew by 33% from 2016 to 2021.

MARQUES strongly supports the aims of this year’s World IP Day. It has taken a number of steps to promote sustainability at MARQUES events and activities and to increase awareness and understanding of how sustainability impacts brands and IP protection. Look out for more information soon.