The establishment of World Intellectual Property Day was initiated by the Director-General of the National Algerian Institute for Industrial Property (INAPI). The day creates awareness of copyright, trademarks, and patents. These are laws and registrations that protect the original work of creators and innovators. This can include writers, artists, inventors, and brands that help to make sure that creators have the right to own their work.

This particular celebration of penguins was created at McMurdo Station, an American research center where researchers discovered that Adélie penguins start their migration around this day each year. So began World Penguin Day as a way to commemorate the event and raise awareness about these creatures. This day encourages people to learn more about penguins, the dangers they encounter and their environment. Alarmingly though, of the 18 known living species, 10 have been listed as endangered.