About the opportunity
The WIPO IP Moot Court Competition is a simulated court experience where university law students address complex intellectual property law issues arising in a hypothetical case. Participants engage in written submissions and oral arguments before a panel of international IP experts and judges. Rooted in WIPO’s IP and Youth Empowerment Strategy (IP-YES!), the competition aims to bring IP closer to young people by raising awareness, building practical advocacy skills, and creating meaningful opportunities to apply legal knowledge in real-world settings. The current edition explores the intersection of innovation, intellectual property rights, and online enforcement within the context of live streaming.
Funding and benefits
- Opportunity to compete on an international stage and argue before a panel of international IP experts
- Top eight teams advance to the final rounds in Geneva, Switzerland
- Valuable networking opportunities with peers, legal professionals, judges, and organizers from around the world
- Hands-on development of written and oral advocacy, critical analysis, legal reasoning, and professional skills
Who can apply?
- Open to university teams of law students
- Participants must be aged 35 and under
Required documents
- Duly signed Declaration Form
- Video submission as requested in the Application Guidelines
When to apply
- Application Period: October 12 – November 6, 2026
- Announcement of Selected Teams: November 30, 2026
- Release of Moot Problem: December 10, 2026
- Deadline for Submission of Requests for Clarifications: December 17, 2026
- Responses to Requests for Clarifications: January 15, 2027
- Deadline for Written Submissions: February 1, 2027
- Online Rounds: March 1-12, 2027
- Quarter-Finals (Geneva): June 8, 2027
- Semi-Finals (Geneva): June 9, 2027
- Grand Finale & Awards (Geneva): June 10, 2027
How to apply
- Review the Competition Rules, Frequently Asked Questions, and Application Guidelines
- Ensure that the Declaration Form has been duly signed before completing the form
- Complete and submit the application form via the online survey portal
- Finalize the application by submitting the requested video according to the Application Guidelines instructions
Additional information
- All times are given in Geneva time (GMT+1)
- Participating teams are selected through a competitive video application process
- The top eight teams advance to the international stage to compete in the Finals in Geneva
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for university law students and aspiring advocates passionate about intellectual property law and international litigation
- Well-suited for students looking to build practical advocacy skills through written memorials and oral pleadings before senior experts
- A great fit for teams seeking global networking opportunities with legal professionals and peers from diverse jurisdictions
What should you think carefully about?
- Teams must prepare a competitive video application and fulfill strict submission guidelines by November 6, 2026
- Advancing teams must commit to a rigorous multi-stage timeline spanning written submissions, online rounds, and potential travel to Geneva
- Relocation and travel logistics to Geneva for the final rounds require independent planning and coordination
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
Participating in this moot court offers a high-impact platform to sharpen legal reasoning, gain international exposure, and bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world IP practice. It serves as a strong credential for students aiming for careers in international law, intellectual property, or dispute resolution.
Our take
University law students aged 35 or under with a strong interest in intellectual property law should seriously consider applying, provided they can commit to the structured timeline and team application requirements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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