Happy World IP Day: IP and Sustainable Development Goals

Every April 26, we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day to recognise the significance of intellectual property (IP) rights in fostering innovation and creativity. World IP Day 2024 emphasizes how IP contributes to the innovation and creativity essential for forging paths toward a sustainable future and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which serve as a blueprint for promoting prosperity, peace, and the well-being of people and the planet. “From electric vehicles to lifesaving drugs, clean and green tech, to AI and digital technologies – IP can be the vehicle to turn bold new ideas into real world impact. So on this World IP Day, let us come together to use the power of IP to achieve the SDGs and build a better world for all,” said WIPO Director General Daren Tang to emphasize the importance of the day.

As European IP Helpdesk, we are committed to promoting innovation and creativity by providing guidance on IP rights to businesses and researchers. By bridging the gap between innovation and IP protection, we aim to pave the way for a more sustainable future. To mark this significant occasion, we are pleased to bring into your attention some of our publications that specifically contribute to advancing the SDGs.

• PYREG: From Waste to Value
  Read the inspiring story of how a small German company sets new milestones for efficient waste disposal with its revolutionary and sustainable technology – and how a sound Intellectual Property strategy supported starting their business.
• Societal Value Creation
  Take a look at our Bulletin issue where we have joined forces with the Impact Licensing Initiative to shed light on novel concepts, models and practices that re-think our use of intellectual property, technology and data to tackle major societal challenges and bolster social value creation.
• Training Cooperation with European Patent Office: “Patent protection for EU funding beneficiaries with a special focus on Green Technologies”
  Check out the recording of our brand-new lecture, in collaboration with the European Patent Office (EPO), which addresses the IP-related aspects of EU-funded projects, with a particular focus on "Patentability of new technological developments in green technologies."