The winners of the 2026 (X) edition of the Contest in the Field of Intellectual Property for Young People, with the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate” participated during the period 15–16 July this year in a study visit to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante, Kingdom of Spain.

The visit was organized with the support of the EU4IP project within the framework of the cooperation between AGEPI and EUIPO. The program started at the EUIPO headquarters, where the participants were familiarized with the mission, structure and main areas of activity of the Office, as well as with its role in protecting intellectual property rights at the level of the European Union. The young people also took a guided tour of the institution’s headquarters, having the opportunity to learn about the organization and functioning of one of the most important European authorities in the field of intellectual property.

An important element of the program were the interactive sessions dedicated to educating young people in the field of intellectual property. During these sessions, participants discussed the importance of protecting intellectual creations, the role of intellectual property in stimulating creativity and innovation, as well as the ways in which young people can contribute to promoting respect for intellectual property rights in the communities they belong to.

The visit also included a practical component held at the Campello Surf Club, where participants attended a presentation on the relevance of intellectual property in the field of sport and surfing culture. Afterwards, they participated in team sports activities, such as surfing, paddle, kayaking and other water sports. The activities highlighted, in an interactive way, the connection between creativity, innovation, performance and respect for intellectual property rights.

The study visit offered the participants the opportunity to gain new knowledge about the European intellectual property protection system, to interact with EUIPO experts and to understand the importance of intellectual property in the development of an economy based on innovation and creativity. This experience marks a first for the contest, bringing added value by diversifying the prizes and strengthening the European dimension of the competition.

By organizing this visit, AGEPI reconfirms its commitment to promoting education in the field of intellectual property and encouraging performance among young people. At the same time, the initiative reflects the good cooperation between AGEPI and EUIPO, aimed at developing a culture of intellectual property and strengthening the interest of the younger generation in creativity, innovation and the responsible exploitation of the results of intellectual activity.

About the contest

The Contest in the Field of Intellectual Property for Young People is organized by AGEPI, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC), the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks of Romania (OSIM) and the Romanian Copyright Office (ORDA).

Launched in 2017 with the aim of stimulating the younger generation’s interest in creativity and innovation, the contest has become a platform for students and pupils passionate about intellectual property. Over the years, hundreds of young people have participated in the competition, presenting original works and innovative ideas, and the winners have benefited from prizes, internships and training opportunities. The 2026 edition was organized with the support of the Project “Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights – Enlargement and Neighborhood” (EU4IP), funded by the European Union and implemented by EUIPO.