As well as highlighting the work of global creators and innovators, WIPO Magazine's upcoming special issue on sports will surface perspectives from across regions and disciplines, from the IP mechanics behind athletic performance and broadcasting to the innovations reshaping training, wearable tech and the wellness movement. In short, anything that reflects the creativity and innovation shaping sports and IP today.
We also welcome essays that explore emerging challenges relating to the sports industry, athletes’ lives and IP.
Deadline for pitches: Monday, February 2, 2026
Commissions: Ongoing, starting January 18, 2026
Deadline for drafts: Monday, March 16, 2026
Publication: April 26, 2026 and successively
Here are three things to consider when writing your pitches:
We are looking for colorful and concrete examples that showcase innovation and creation, and highlight sports-related IP rights and best practices. These could be anything from the patents behind sports gear and innovative takes on pushing athletic performance to broadcasting rights or outstanding athletes using IP in interesting ways. We are also open to stories and interviews on niche topics. Stories that are topical or about ongoing sports-related court cases are welcome too.
WIPO Magazine serves a globally curious audience and we pride ourselves on providing information that creators and innovators from all regions of the world find useful.
Be specific, not general. We want stories that only you can tell. Has your local women’s cricket team implemented an ingenious IP strategy? Do you know the company behind the machine that draws the perfect center circle for kickoffs or innovators in para sports? Think diversity and originality. We want to hear your voice – we are not interested in what the internet already knows.
If you have worked or are working on any such topics, or know someone who is, please get in touch. Email wipomagazine@wipo.int with your pitch.
How to pitch to WIPO Magazine
The subject line of your email should be PITCH: Sports and IP. Outline your idea in no more than 500 words. Your pitch must communicate why your story is compelling, why it is a good fit for WIPO Magazine and why you should be the one to tell it. Be clear, concise and engaging. Your proposed top line should summarize your idea.
Your pitch will tell us a lot about the way you write and structure your thoughts. Nail the pitch and we will be more confident about your ability to nail the story.
WIPO Magazine does not publish features just because they are relevant or important to the people involved. Your piece must have an angle, people and a payoff.
After outlining your story, let us know how you plan to tell it. What format might your piece take? Who are your characters and how might their IP stories benefit WIPO Magazine readers? What research have you already completed and what remains to be done? Who have you interviewed and who do you have access to? What expertise will you bring to the piece? It is okay if you cannot answer all of these questions yet but try to answer at least some of them and we can help with the rest.
Tell us how long you think your story should be. However, please note that length does not equal quality. We favor tight, informative features.
Read WIPO Magazine to familiarize yourself with its content and tone before pitching. You can find our recent sports reporting in the magazine and also check our last special edition.
If we have not worked together before, please include some information about your previous work and credentials, including links to published work, if possible.
We aim to get back to you within 14 working days.
If your pitch is turned down, please do not be discouraged from pitching again.
WIPO Magazine does not accept unsolicited drafts and never promises publication. Pitches must be submitted in English. Articles will be published first in English, then in translation in Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
