World Intellectual Property Day 2026 was jointly celebrated by the Indian Law Institute (ILI) in collaboration with the Hamdard Institute of Legal Studies & Research, Jamia Hamdard, through a thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme “IP & Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” The programme brought together distinguished academicians, legal practitioners, and students to deliberate on the rapidly expanding relationship between intellectual property law and the global sports industry.
Opening Remarks Emphasise Economic Value of Intellectual Property in Sports
The programme commenced with a Welcome Address by Sr. Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Ahuja, Director, Indian Law Institute, who underscored the indispensable role of intellectual property rights in sustaining and enhancing the commercial strength of the multi-billion-dollar sports sector. He highlighted how trademarks, copyrights, and related rights contribute significantly to brand value, quality assurance, and consumer confidence in sports.
Special Address Flags Growing Concern of Ambush Marketing
In her Special Address, Prof. (Dr.) Saleena K. Basheer, Dean, Hamdard Institute of Legal Studies & Research, drew attention to the rising practice of ambush marketing, where entities attempt to capitalise on the popularity and visibility of major sporting events without being official sponsors. She stressed that such practices pose serious legal and ethical challenges, as they undermine legitimate commercial arrangements and the integrity of intellectual property protections.
Theme Introduction Sets the Stage for Meaningful Deliberation
The discussion was formally introduced by Dr. Parineet Kaur, Assistant Professor, Indian Law Institute, who contextualised the theme and highlighted the increasing significance of intellectual property law in regulating sports innovation, branding, and digital expansion.
Justice Rajesh Bindal Highlights Role of Technology and IP in Modern Sports
Delivering the Inaugural Address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal offered an insightful analysis of the growing convergence of law, technology, and sports. He observed that technological interventions such as DRS, UltraEdge, and third-umpire systems have transformed the landscape of sports by enhancing fairness, transparency, and accountability, not only in cricket but also in traditional games like kabaddi.
Justice Bindal emphasised that trademarks and branding in sports have become central to commercial success, enabling stakeholders to build trust and market recognition. He further noted that technological advancements have dramatically increased sports viewership, which in turn has led to unprecedented growth in advertising and revenue generation, firmly establishing sports as a major economic sector.
Rising Importance of Personality Rights and Commercial Identity
A significant portion of Justice Bindal’s address focused on the commercial exploitation of sportspersons’ identities, including their names, nicknames, and personal attributes. He cautioned that such elements are often used without authorisation for commercial gain, raising critical issues related to personality rights and publicity rights. This growing trend, he noted, necessitates stronger legal safeguards to protect athletes from misuse of their identity.
Digital Transformation of Sports Broadcasting and Legal Challenges
Tracing the evolution of sports broadcasting, Justice Bindal explained how the sector has moved from nationalised channels to private broadcasters such as Star India and ESPN, and now to digital streaming platforms. While this transition has significantly improved accessibility and audience engagement, it has simultaneously given rise to challenges like digital piracy and unauthorised streaming, leading to an increase in complex legal disputes.
He also referred to contemporary concerns such as the Mahadev Betting App case, describing it as a reflection of the emerging regulatory complexities within the digital sports ecosystem, particularly in relation to online betting and unauthorised platforms.
Judicial Response to Emerging IP Challenges in Sports
Justice Bindal highlighted the proactive stance of the Indian judiciary in addressing these challenges, pointing to landmark judicial developments that have strengthened the protection of broadcasting rights, personality rights, and publicity rights. He concluded by stressing that academic and professional discussions on such themes are essential to prepare future lawyers and scholars for the dynamic nature of sports and intellectual property law.
Expert Panel Discusses Trademarks, AI, and Personality Rights
The inaugural session was followed by a panel discussion featuring eminent speakers, each contributing unique insights into contemporary issues. Prof. (Dr.) Sunanda Bharti, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, spoke on “Trademarks in Sports: Protecting the Game Beyond the Field.” Mr. Neel Mason, Managing Partner at Mason & Associates, explored the implications of artificial intelligence in sports and emerging concerns around neighbouring rights. Prof. (Dr.) Vandana Singh, Professor of Law at USLLS, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, addressed the evolving concept of commercial identity and personality rights in modern sports.
The discussion reflected the multidimensional challenges facing the sports industry, particularly in light of rapid technological advancement and increasing commercialisation.
Interactive Session and Formal Conclusion
The event concluded with an engaging interaction between the panelists and the audience, allowing for deeper exploration of practical and emerging issues in the field. The programme formally came to a close with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Arya A. Kumar, Associate Professor, Indian Law Institute.
Conclusion
The celebration of World IP Day 2026 by the Indian Law Institute and Jamia Hamdard successfully highlighted the central role of intellectual property in shaping the future of sports. From issues of technology and broadcasting to personality rights and commercial exploitation, the event underscored that intellectual property law remains a critical pillar in regulating and advancing the global sports ecosystem.