Open Call for World IP Day Youth Video Competition

Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

The WIPO Video Competition 2026 invites creators aged 18–35 to submit 60–90 second videos on the theme “Game Changers: IP Powering Sports Innovation.” Participants can win digital equipment worth up to CHF 3,000 and specialized training from the WIPO Academy. The competition highlights the vital role of Intellectual Property (IP) in driving technological and creative progress within the sports industry.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is hosting a global video competition to explore the intersection of Intellectual Property (IP) and sports. The 2026 theme, “Game Changers: IP Powering Sports Innovation,” tasks participants with storytelling that illustrates how patents, trademarks, and copyrights revolutionize how we play, watch, and experience sports.

Why It Matters: The Link Between IP and Sports

Intellectual Property is the invisible engine behind the sports industry. This competition highlights:

• Innovation Protection: How patents secure new sports equipment, from aerodynamic kits to wearable biometric sensors.

• Brand Identity: How trademarks protect team logos and athlete brands, fueling global fan engagement.

• Broadcasting & Media: How copyright ensures that sports media content is protected and monetized.

• Economic Growth: Showing how IP rights provide the financial incentive for companies to invest in safer and more advanced sports technology.

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Intellectual Property (IP): Legal rights resulting from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary, and artistic fields.

• Patents: Protect new inventions (e.g., a new shock-absorption system in running shoes).

• Trademarks: Protect signs used to distinguish goods or services (e.g., a famous brand’s “swoosh” or “three stripes”).

• Copyright: Protects original creative works (e.g., sports documentaries or broadcast signals).

• WIPO Academy: The center of excellence for IP education and training globally.

Who is Eligible?

The competition is designed for young creators and innovators.

Age Requirement:

• Participants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.

• For group entries, at least one member must meet this age criteria.

Entry Types:

• Individual: One person submitting a single video.

• Group: A team of up to 10 members.

• Note: You cannot participate as both an individual and a group member. Only one entry is allowed per participant.

Exclusions:

• WIPO employees, agents, and their close family members are ineligible.

• Anyone professionally involved in organizing the competition is excluded.

Awards and Prizes

Winners receive high-value digital equipment and professional development:

• First Prize: Digital equipment valued up to CHF 3,000.

• Second Prize: Digital equipment valued up to CHF 2,000.

• Third Prize: Digital equipment valued up to CHF 1,000.

• People’s Choice Prize: Digital equipment valued up to CHF 500.

• Educational Bonus: The Top 20 finalists receive exclusive training opportunities from the WIPO Academy.

Technical Requirements and Content Rules

To ensure eligibility, videos must adhere to strict technical standards:

• Duration: 60 to 90 seconds.

• Format: MP4.

• Captions: Do not embed subtitles or captions (WIPO uses an auto-generator).

• Languages: Audio narrative is accepted in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.

• AI Tools: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for video creation is permitted.

• Originality: Must be unpublished and free of watermarks.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Develop the Story: Focus on a specific sports invention, an athlete’s brand, or a creative idea showing IP in action.

2. Clear Third-Party Rights: Secure written permission for any background music, logos, or footage not created by you.

3. Produce the Video: Ensure it meets the 60–90 second limit and MP4 format.

4. Upload to WIPO: Submit your entry via the official platform by March 15, 2026 (23:59 CET).

5. Review Captions: Use the platform’s automatic captioning tool to edit and refine the generated text.

Competition Timeline: 2026

• Submission Deadline: March 15, 2026.

• Shortlist Announcement: Prior to April 6.

• Public Voting (People’s Choice): April 6 – April 19, 2026.

• Winners Announced: April 24, 2026.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Copyright Infringement: Using famous songs or trademarked logos without express permission is the #1 cause of disqualification.

• Length Violations: Going even one second over or under the 60–90 second window may result in automatic rejection.

• Watermarking: Ensure your editing software doesn’t leave a watermark on the final export.

• Tip: Focus on the Human Element. The jury values original storytelling over high-budget production. Show how IP changes lives or improves the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use AI to generate the video? Yes, the use of AI tools is explicitly permitted in this competition.

2. Can I submit a video in my native language? Audio narratives are accepted in any of the eight official languages listed: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

3. Is there a fee to enter? No, entry into the WIPO Video Competition is free.

4. How does the People’s Choice Prize work? Shortlisted videos are posted for a public vote. Anyone can cast up to five votes between April 6 and April 19.

5. Do I need to provide subtitles? No. Subtitles should not be burned into the video. WIPO provides a tool to generate and edit captions after upload.

6. Can a group have more than 10 people? No. Group entries are limited to a maximum of 10 members.

7. What is the “Top 20” training benefit? Finalists gain access to professional IP courses through the WIPO Academy, which can significantly enhance professional credentials in the creative and legal fields.

Conclusion

The WIPO Video Competition 2026 is a unique platform for young creators to demonstrate the power of Intellectual Property in the high-stakes world of sports. By combining storytelling with technical expertise, participants can win valuable equipment and gain international recognition from the world’s leading IP authority.

For more information, visit World Intellectual Property Organization.