Registration has reopened for the WIPO Academy's specialized course on intellectual property (IP) and sports entrepreneurship, DL-464. The course takes eight hours to complete and can be accessed online at any time until December 14, 2026.
Developed in partnership with the International Trade Centre, the course explores how IP rights are used in the sports industry to protect brands, manage rights and identify business opportunities.
Registration closes on December 7, 2026.
Why this course matters?
Sport has become a global commercial industry where value is driven by media rights, branding, sponsorship, and digital content. Intellectual property defines how this value is created, protected, and shared.
The course responds to the need for practical knowledge of how IP operates in real sports business environments. It supports learners in understanding how opportunities are identified, how ventures are structured, and how rights are used in practice.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for aspiring and established sports entrepreneurs, students and professionals in sports law and management, athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, as well as business professionals and in-house lawyers working in the sports sector. It is equally valuable for anyone with a general interest in the business of sport.
What will you learn?
Participants will learn to identify business and work opportunities in sport and evaluate the environment using research methods and PESTEL analysis. The course explains how to develop a business plan and how sports marketing differs from traditional marketing.
It also covers the role of intellectual property in sport, including copyright, trademarks, patents, trade secrets, licensing, and franchising. Learners will examine image rights and their importance for athletes, teams, and minors, and understand trademark registration for sports brands across different activities and markets. For more information, please contact the course administration.
Course format and certification
The course is available online in English and is free of charge. Participants can study at their own pace and receive a WIPO certificate upon successful completion.