Entries open for the WIPO IP Moot Court Competition for Law Students
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has opened applications for the 2026 WIPO Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition, an international contest that challenges young legal minds to engage with complex intellectual property (IP) issues. Now in its second edition, the competition welcomes law students under the age of 35 from WIPO Member States to demonstrate their advocacy, analytical, and legal reasoning skills in simulated courtroom proceedings.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
The WIPO Moot Court is an excellent opportunity for law students to explore the world of IP law in depth. Participants will argue a fictional case covering key aspects of industrial property such as patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets. The competition gives young professionals a platform to develop their litigation and research skills while connecting with experts and peers from around the world.
The event will unfold across four key stages—video submissions, written arguments, online oral rounds, and the final in-person competition at the WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, scheduled for June 24 to 26, 2026. This structure ensures participants experience all aspects of case preparation and courtroom advocacy.
Why Participate
Taking part in the WIPO Moot Court Competition offers law students a rare chance to engage with real-world IP challenges in an international environment. Participants will sharpen their communication and presentation skills, learn from global experts, and gain visibility in the international legal community. The competition also provides networking opportunities with fellow students, legal professionals, and WIPO officials.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to law students under 35 years of age who are currently enrolled in a university located in a WIPO Member State. Each participating team will be selected based on a five-minute video submission in response to a set of pre-determined legal questions. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of IP principles, solid legal reasoning, and the ability to present arguments concisely and persuasively.
Competition Phases
The 2026 edition consists of four major phases. The first phase involves video applications, followed by written submissions in which teams present their legal arguments. The third stage features online oral rounds before a panel of judges, and finally, eight teams will qualify for the in-person finals at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Sample Case Scenario – “The Smart Space Sipper”
A pharmaceutical company and a national space agency have co-developed an innovative medicine pouch known as the Smart Space Sipper. Designed for astronauts to safely take liquid medication in zero gravity, the product has a contoured body that prevents spillage, a one-way valve that stops liquids from floating away, and a sleek futuristic appearance that has become popular on Earth as a wellness product. The co-developers are now seeking industrial design protection for its unique form.
Question 1: Can these co-developers obtain design protection for the Smart Space Sipper, and which specific features are eligible for protection?
Question 2: If the design is protectable, who should hold the design rights—the pharmaceutical company, the national space agency, or both as joint creators? What legal arguments support your position?
Applicants are expected to show strong analytical skills, legal clarity, and persuasive reasoning in their video responses. It is important to note that this sample scenario is illustrative and not the actual moot problem for 2026.
Selection Process and Timeline
Selected teams will be announced on December 5, 2025. Written submissions must be submitted by January 10, 2026, and online oral rounds will take place in February 2026. The top eight teams will proceed to the finals in Geneva from June 24 to 26, 2026.
Submission Guidelines
Interested applicants should carefully review the official Application Guidelines before submission. Teams must comply with all requirements and submit complete entries by the deadline. For inquiries, participants can contact [email protected].
For details:
Visit the Official Webpage of the WIPO IP Moot Court Competition.
