― 27 Nisan 2026
World Intellectual Property Day Event
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT) organized an event titled “Intellectual Property and Sports: Innovative Initiatives and Technology” on April 27, 2026, at the TÜRKPATENT conference hall as part of World Intellectual Property Day.
“Intellectual Property and Sports: Innovative Initiatives and Technology” Event
The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TÜRKPATENT) held an event under the theme of World Intellectual Property Day titled “Intellectual Property and Sports: Innovative Initiatives and Technology.”
Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, Muhammet Kasım GÖNÜLLÜ, stated in his speech at the event that this year’s theme of World Intellectual Property Day had been determined as “Intellectual Property and Sports.”
Emphasizing that recent analyses published by the World Intellectual Property Organization indicate that sports technologies have become a rapidly growing field of innovation worldwide, GÖNÜLLÜ said:
“Over the past 10 years, patents related to sports technologies have increased by an average of 7.6% annually, trademarks by 6.1%, and designs by 8.3%. During the same period, more than 65,000 sports technology patents, over 1.25 million trademarks, and more than 70,000 designs were registered globally.”
GÖNÜLLÜ underlined that Türkiye, with its strong sports culture, young population, and production capacity, has the potential to become a significant part of this transformation, adding:
“One of the most critical elements for transforming this potential into real value is intellectual property rights. In today’s age of information and technology, R&D and innovation are the key to converting humanity’s limitless potential into economic and social benefits. Today, the fundamental factor determining the strength of a company, an institution, or even a country is no longer just its physical assets, but its intellectual capital. An idea, an invention, a brand, a design—these are not only the guarantees of individuals or institutions but also of a nation’s future. While intellectual property rights protect these values, they also encourage innovation, enhance competitiveness, and accelerate sustainable development.”
“Historic Achievements in Intellectual Property Over the Past 24 Years”
GÖNÜLLÜ highlighted that, in line with the National Technology Initiative vision, their goal is to build a Türkiye that produces technology rather than consumes it, and leads rather than follows.
He noted that in a country where intellectual and industrial property rights are not secured, it is not possible for original ideas to flourish, innovative concepts to emerge, or value-added production to take root, stating:
“Ideas that sprout through intellect and turn into value through hard work can only gain a strong competitive advantage in global markets if they are supported with the right strategies and protected by intellectual property rights. With this understanding, we have achieved historic successes in the field of intellectual property over the past 24 years.”
GÖNÜLLÜ also explained that through a strong R&D, innovation, and technology infrastructure and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, Türkiye has revealed great potential in the field of industrial property.
He emphasized that Türkiye will not settle for its achievements in intellectual property but will aim even higher, concluding his remarks as follows:
“In this process, the commercialization of intellectual property rights and their transformation into economic value will play a critical role. To achieve these goals, we all have responsibilities. Our industrialists should invest more in branding and design. Our universities should encourage patentable inventions. Our youth should not hesitate to generate ideas and dream. Together, we must embrace intellectual property not merely as a legal obligation but as a culture.”
“There Is a Technological Race in the World”
TÜRKPATENT President Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki DURAK stated that World Intellectual Property Day is a global awareness initiative emphasizing the importance of protecting innovation, technology, and labor.
Drawing attention to this year’s theme, DURAK said:
“Sports has now become fully integrated with technology, and within this integration, both intellectual property and technology intersect significantly.”
DURAK noted that as a result of TÜRKPATENT’s efforts and technological advancements in the country, Türkiye has risen to higher ranks in many indicators.
Referring to Türkiye’s industrial property data, he added:
“The number of patents, designs, and utility models in our country is steadily improving. There are both hot and cold wars and a technological race in the world. As an institution, we will continue our efforts to protect our country’s technology in this race.”
Panel: “Innovative Initiatives in Sports, Technology, and Intellectual Property”
Following the speeches, the event continued with a panel titled “Innovative Initiatives in Sports, Technology, and Intellectual Property.” Moderated by Industrial Property Expert Gonca Ilıca, the panel featured success stories shared by BİGG Sports Award recipients Mert ÖZKAN, Kaan ALTIN, and Fatih DURMAZ.
As part of the event, an art exhibition featuring works prepared by TÜRKPATENT staff was also inaugurated.
