Prof. Jacques de Werra, a lecturer and board member of AISTS as well as a law professor at University of Geneva, was recently invited as a speaker to share insights into intellectual property (IP) and image rights as essential components of the sport industry. His participation is fully aligned with AISTS’ mission of making sport better through continued education and applied research.
Prof. de Werra spoke at the inaugural conference launching Senegal’s national strategy on the development of intellectual property (IP) for sport in Dakar. The event was supported by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), under the patronage of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture of Senegal, with the participation of Minister Khady Diene Gaye and stakeholders involved in the organization of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Alongside other guest speakers, such as Carlos Castro, Head of Intellectual Property at the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Prof. de Werra emphasised the key role of IP for the development of sport. He shares here with us three key takeaways:
- The sport industry is an industry of intangibles (e.g. media rights, sponsoring rights, brands, image rights) that relies on the efficient protection of IP rights.
- The sport industry can benefit from all types of IP rights (patents for technological innovations, copyrights, trademarks, designs, trade secrets, etc.).
- Every stakeholder in the sport ecosystem can benefit from IP rights (athletes, clubs, leagues, federations, etc.).
ABOUT
WIPO’s role in supporting IP for sport
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the United Nations agency that serves the world’s innovators and creators, helping ensure their ideas travel safely to the market and benefit society. As part of its global mission, WIPO provides technical assistance and impact-driven projects that help countries like Senegal develop national strategies to protect and promote intellectual property (IP).
In the sport industry, where intangible assets such as trademarks, broadcasting rights, designs, and image rights are increasingly valuable, WIPO supports the development of legal and institutional frameworks that create economic and social benefits. WIPO also acts as a global forum for addressing emerging IP challenges, helping decision-makers manage the continuous changes in sectors like sport.
AISTS
AISTS, the International Academy of Sport Management and Technology, is a prestigious not-for-profit academic centre at the heart of the global sport industry. Founded in 2000 in Lausanne, Switzerland, it offers world-class education and advisory services in sport management. AISTS’s unique multidisciplinary approach combines expertise in technology, management, economics, medicine, career and leadership. With a network of over 700 alumni, 100 distinguished lecturers, and partnerships with leading sport organisations, like the World Athletics, Infront, IBU, AISTS shapes the future of sport leadership.
Located in the Olympic Capital, it serves as a bridge between academia and industry, promoting excellence in sport management to drive positive global impact through the power of sport.
