IP and sports: Ready, set, innovate
The USPTO, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), the U.S. Copyright Office, and other supporting organizations will hold a special program to celebrate World IP Day 2026 on April 29 at the U.S. Capitol.
World Intellectual Property Day is an annual international observance, traditionally celebrated on April 26, that provides an opportunity to learn about the role that intellectual property (IP) rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity.
The theme for 2026 is IP and sports: Ready, set, innovate. Sports provide a familiar and engaging way to see how patents, trademarks, and copyrights work together to encourage innovation and investment, protect identity, and share experiences with broad audiences. From advances in equipment design and performance technology to broadcasting, fan engagement, and branding, all of these IP tools help teams, leagues, and athletes earn money, build brands, and connect with fans.
The event will feature prominent speakers and guests from government, Congress, and the private sector, including:
- Coke Morgan Stewart, Deputy Director, USPTO
- Dan Vavonese, Acting Commissioner of Trademarks, USPTO
- Vince Garlock, AIPLA Executive Director
- Shira Perlmutter, U.S. Copyright Office
- Shawn Springs, Founder and CEO of Windpact, Inc., and a former professional football player
- The Honorable Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property (Invited)
- The Honorable Adam Schiff (D-CA), Member, Senate Judiciary Committee (Invited)
- The Honorable Chris Coons (D-DE), Member, Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property (Invited)
This free event will take place in the Hart Senate Office Building from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. Advance registration is required and closes on April 28.
If you have questions about World IP Day or this event, please email Skip Mark at skip.mark@uspto.gov.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.