The 2026 WIPO IP Moot Court Competition culminated on June 26 in a high-stakes Grand Final between Team Antimony (University of Lagos, Nigeria) and Team Ruthenium (Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea). With a performance that brought together precision, persuasion and a distinctive ability to explain complex legal questions, Israel Idara Ifiok and Kaosisochukwu Andrina Nkpolara from the University of Lagos claimed victory, securing the title of champions.
New University Name Engraved in WIPO History
The final rounds of the competition beautifully captured the emotion behind legal practice: the confidence of stepping before a panel of judges, the intensity of responding to unexpected questions, and the anticipation and celebration surrounding the announcement of the winners. While the University of Lagos will have its achievement commemorated through the engraving of its name on the championship trophy as a lasting symbol of success, the Awards Ceremony also highlighted the strong performance of Ewha Womans University, who secured the runner-up position after a closely contested final that reflected the exceptionally high level of all participants.
Beyond the team rankings, individual and team distinctions in oral and written advocacy were also recognized. Israel Idara Ifiok (University of Lagos) was named Best Oralist, while the Sultan Qaboos University (Oman) received the Best Memorial Award.
“What you have demonstrated goes beyond legal knowledge. You have shown judgment, creativity, the ability to think under pressure, poise and grace. All these qualities are what define outstanding lawyers and outstanding advocates.” WIPO Director General Daren Tang
“The thing about the moot is taking it beyond the competitive realms, and seeing it like a real case, even if it is hypothetical. […] Intellectual property is at the heart of everything we do. It is the very essence of human creativity. So, to every young person there, I would say: know your rights well enough to respect another person’s rights.” Israel Idara Ifiok, University of Lagos
A Global Competition for Emerging IP Talent
Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2025, the second edition of the competition reaffirmed the importance of empowering youth in the IP field by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and on-the-ground experience needed in the legal practice.
From more than 200 applications from across the globe, 48 teams advanced and competed in the virtual rounds, with only eight advancing to the final oral rounds in Geneva:
· Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia
· National Law University – Delhi, India
· West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, India
· University of Lagos, Nigeria
· Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
· University of the West Indies – St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
· City St. George’s, University of London, United Kingdom
· Boston University, United States of America
As selected teams progressed through written submissions, virtual oral rounds and, ultimately, the final rounds in Geneva, they engaged with the NorthSky v. Coastline hypothetical case in a courtroom-style setting that simulated real-world legal practice. The case challenged students to grapple with complex IP questions involving patent validity and infringement, trademark protection, trade secrets and the enforcement of IP rights across borders. Participants showcased strong IP knowledge, clear and efficient reasoning, and the ability to engage confidently with complex legal questions.
A Springboard into the World of IP
While trophies and awards will stand as lasting reminders of the competition, participants carry forward something equally valuable: the skills and competences developed in the field of IP law and a sense of belonging to a flourishing global community of IP professionals.
And the journey extends beyond the halls of WIPO! As part of the prizes awarded, students gain access to scholarships for advanced distance learning courses offered by the WIPO Academy, as well as mentorship opportunities provided by the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI).
Through these professional development initiatives - combined with the substantive and procedural expertise developed throughout the competition - the WIPO IP Moot Court Competition advances the ambitions of WIPO’s IP and Youth Empowerment Strategy (IP-YES!), supporting young IP talent as they continue to grow.
The story does not end here: the next edition of the competition is already on the horizon, with further details to be announced soon.