Registry General Recognises World IP Day
The Department of Registry General is marking World Intellectual Property Day, highlighting the role of intellectual property in sport under the theme “IP and Sport: Ready, Set, Innovate.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Department of Registry General unites with Intellectual Property Offices globally to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, 2026. The purpose of World IP Day is to bring awareness and a general understanding of intellectual property [IP]. IP and IP rights include copyrights, industrial design, patents, and trademarks.
“The theme for World IP Day this year is “IP and Sport: Ready, Set, Innovate”. We honour the contributions of the creators, inventors and entrepreneurs working behind the scenes to push the boundaries of athletic performance, improve audience experience and bring sports events to every home.
“Key messages from the World Intellectual Property Organisation [WIPO]:
- “Sports inspire passion worldwide, and intellectual property rights play a key role in protecting and promoting the innovations that keep the spirit of the game alive, bringing fans together and fueling the future of sports.
- “By protecting the work of inventors, creators and entrepreneurs, intellectual property ensures recognition and fair reward, fosters ongoing creativity and innovation that inspires fans.
- “From broadcasting and e-sports to merchandise and fan experiences, intellectual property drives the global sports economy and links industries far beyond the game.
“In recognition of World IP Day, the Registry General would like to recognise the IP contributions of the legendary Clyde Best, MBE. His time at West Ham United, along with his exceptional football skills, gave rise to the branding of his jersey number and team recognition. Not only was Best immersed in the sport of football on the international stage for several decades, but he also entered the copyright arena by authoring The Acid Test [2016].
“As the writer, Best owns the copyright for creating the literary work. Intellectual property laws allow authors to protect their contributions and to control or license their use by others. Best’s newly released documentary, Transforming the Beautiful Game [2026], is also protected by copyright specifically regarding scripts and cinematography. Moral rights allow filmmakers to maintain integrity and to protect against distortion and misattribution.
“Continuing in the football realm, the Registry General produced a fact sheet highlighting the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 and its ties to IP.
“World Intellectual Property Organisation [WIPO] Director General, Daren Tang, in his World IP Day message, said “[sports] is a multi-trillion-dollar industry creating jobs and opportunities for many people. But this means knowing how to protect, manage and grow the many IP assets that are now part of sports.”
“We invite you to learn more about IP by visiting the World Intellectual Property Organisation [WIPO] World IP Day 2026 website: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/ipday/2026/index.
“The Registry General’s Intellectual Property Office wishes Bermuda a Happy World IP Day 2026.
“To learn more about Intellectual Property, visit us on the 4th Floor of the Government Administration Building, email rgintellectualproperty@gov.bm, or call the office at [441] 246-8948.”
