On 26 April each year, our friends at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) orchestrate the annual celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.  Each year has its own individual theme -- and 2014 is no exception. This is what the World IP Day web-page on WIPO's website has to say:

In 2014 we celebrate: Movies – A Global Passion

One hundred years ago on a dusty California lot, Charlie Chaplin created the Tramp, arguably inventing the modern film in the process.

As an actor Chaplin brought pathos, nuance, and depth of character to the screen. As a director he embraced new technologies and explored new avenues for the medium. As a producer he developed innovative means of financing and distribution, helping to create the modern film industry and establishing film as one of the most popular art forms around the world.

A century later, movies are a global passion – for the millions who watch them every day and for the hundreds of thousands who work in the global film industry. The writers and actors, directors and producers, the editors, composers and designers, the sound and light technicians, the creators of special effects and new technologies: each one contributing their spark of creativity and innovative genius to this most collaborative of works.

With more films coming from more countries every day – and more means of dissemination, on screens large and small – we all benefit. The movies have come a long way since Chaplin’s Tramp. But their effect on us – the pleasure, and the passion – remains the same.

How does IP fuel the film industry?

This year, we look behind the scenes to find out how IP rights shape the filmmaker’s journey from script to screen, how film producers attract investors, how screenwriters and actors earn a living, and how innovation is pushing the frontiers of creativity in the industry.

Hear from actors, directors and producers what inspires and drives them. And tell us why you are passionate about movies.

MARQUES members will be acutely aware of the interplay between cinema and brand development.  Many cinematographic ventures are financially underpinned by the merchandising of branded products associated with a movie, while product placement ensures fresh marketing opportunities for brands in all sorts of situations in which one might not otherwise be able to appeal to an audience. So be sure to celebrate!

World IP Facebook page here; follow WIPO on Twitter at @wipo to be sure to get the latest World IP Day news.