Deadline: November 30, 2025
The WIPO IP Moot Court Competition 2026 is an exciting international event organised by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to promote understanding of industrial property law among young law students worldwide. This unique initiative gives participants the chance to explore real-world intellectual property (IP) issues, such as patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets, in a simulated courtroom environment.
Through written submissions and oral arguments, participants will present both sides of a carefully crafted hypothetical case before a panel of judges, mirroring the structure of real international litigation.
The competition is divided into four key phases:
- Video Application – teams submit a short video presentation.
- Written Submissions – legal briefs on the given case.
- Online Oral Rounds – remote argumentation before expert judges.
- In-Person Finals – held at the WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 24–26, 2026.
This flagship event fosters advocacy skills, strengthens understanding of global IP frameworks, and connects future leaders in law and innovation across continents.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the WIPO IP Moot Court Competition 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be law students under the age of 35.
- Be enrolled in a recognised university or law school in a WIPO Member State.
- Form a team typically composed of two student members and one coach or faculty representative.
- Secure official endorsement from the Dean of Students or Faculty Representative through a signed registration form.
This ensures that each participating team has institutional backing and appropriate guidance throughout the competition process.
Application Process
The application deadline for the WIPO IP Moot Court Competition 2026 is 30 November 2025. Interested teams must follow a multi-step process that includes:
1. Video Submission
- Submit a maximum 5-minute video where both team members appear and respond to one of two designated questions related to the case scenario.
- The scenario features a “Smart Space Sipper” — a fictional device developed through collaboration between a pharmaceutical company and a national space agency.
- Teams are expected to discuss key questions such as:
- Whether design protection is available for the device.
- Who should rightfully own the intellectual property: the company, the space agency, or both?
- The legal reasoning behind their position, based on applicable IP principles.
2. Registration Form
Teams must submit a completed and signed registration form, endorsed by their Dean or Faculty representative, alongside the team coach and both student members.
3. Evaluation Criteria
Video submissions will be assessed on:
- Clarity and structure of argument.
- Knowledge and correct application of IP law.
- Persuasiveness and creativity.
- Professionalism of presentation.
Shortlisted teams will then proceed to the written and oral rounds.
Competition Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
- Online Rounds: Early 2026
- Final Rounds in Geneva, Switzerland: 24–26 June 2026
Participants who reach the final stage will have the opportunity to travel to Geneva and present their arguments before an international panel of judges, gaining invaluable exposure and experience in global IP law practice.
Why Participate in the WIPO IP Moot Court Competition 2026?
The WIPO IP Moot Court Competition 2026 offers law students a rare opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on experience in intellectual property law.
- Enhance their research, writing, and advocacy skills.
- Network with peers, professionals, and policymakers from across the world.
- Strengthen their academic and professional profiles.
- Compete for global recognition and awards at WIPO Headquarters.
For students and institutions in Africa, this competition presents a powerful platform to showcase legal talent, promote innovation law awareness, and build global partnerships.
Additional Notes for Participants
- Ensure your university or faculty endorses your team early to avoid last-minute delays.
- Record your video submission with clear audio and professional presentation.
- Use relevant international legal frameworks such as the Paris Convention, TRIPS Agreement, and Hague System where applicable.
- Prepare for possible space law or technology law dimensions, as the 2026 scenario integrates futuristic innovation elements.
Important Links
🔹 Click here to apply for the WIPO IP Moot Court Competition 2026
🔹 Click here to read more about the WIPO IP Moot Court Competition 2026
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