IP is again being celebrated this year on April 26, with the World Intellectual Property Organization paying homage to the intersection of IP and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and “[b]uilding our common future with innovation and creativity.”[1] As a brief history lesson, in 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which “provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.”[2] The core of the agenda is formed by 17 SDGs, which include important goals such as zero hunger; good health and well-being; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry; innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; and peace, justice and strong institutions.[3]

It is not difficult to tie the SDGs to IP. For example, patents are granted for pharmaceutical products, which encourage the development of treatments, vaccines, etc., to improve the good health and well-being of all people. Patents also encourage innovation and creativity for increasing food production, providing sustainable and clean energy, and developing sustainable construction products and manufacturing processes. Trademarks allow innovators to benefit from their status as innovators and prevent competitors from cashing in on their goodwill and creativity. And copyrights of course protect creative works, which can help spread ideas of gender equality and encourage the reduction of inequality.

BakerHostetler understands the value of IP, whether that IP concerns technological innovations, brand and identity management, or the protection of creative endeavors. For that reason, we are proud and honored to celebrate IP and the continuing goal of advancing innovative and creative solutions to make the world a better place. Happy World Intellectual Property Day!

[1] https://www.wipo.int/en/web/ipday/2024-sdgs/index (last visited April 19, 2024).

[2] https://sdgs.un.org/goals (last visited April 19, 2024).

[3] Id.

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