World Intellectual Property Day in 2019 is dedicated to sports – the most inspiring and popular activity that unites millions of people around the world. “Reach for Gold: Intellectual Property and Sports” is the motto proposed this year by the World Intellectual Property Organization, aimed at increasing public understanding of the role of innovations and related intellectual property rights in the development of the sport industry.

For some people sport means everyday trainings on the edge of human abilities for the right to be called the best in their country, in the region, in the world; for others – it is a fascinating leisure time watching exciting sport performances; for others – it is a hobby and a source of strength and health. No matter how much we are involved in sports, we cannot manage without sport equipment, facilities, gear or just accessories with the name and logo of our favorite team.

According to the published research results the total global market for sport goods, including equipment, clothing and footwear, was estimated at about $ 700 billion in 2017.

Intellectual property rights are widely used in the world of sports. Technologies, brands and design embodied in sport goods are protected as inventions, trademarks, industrial designs and other subject matters of intellectual property. Innovative solutions, created mostly for sports of the highest achievements, are subsequently introduced into the mainstream market and become indispensable in the everyday life.

In the late 1920s, Rudolf Lettner (Austria) patented the first sports invention – skis with steel edges. Today, a century later, the Eurasian Patent Office receives applications for Eurasian patent for inventions that not only improve the engineering technology of ski equipment and accessories, but, complementing the prior art, encourage future inventions in sports.

Intellectual property rights contribute to the development of the social sphere. Innovations in sports make it accessible for people with disabilities, and brands and design of sportswear expand the boundaries of sports, bringing together people of all ages, genders and nations.

EAPO congratulates on International Intellectual Property Day all those who are involved in creating new solutions, developing modern technologies and innovative products, ensuring their protection and implementation on the basis of patent protection rights. We wish you creative success and victories just as bright as gold in sports!