The World IP Day is an annual event celebrated on 26th April to raise awareness about the importance of intellectual property rights (“IPRs”) and their contribution to innovation and creativity. This year’s theme, “Women and IP: Accelerating innovation and creativity,” highlights the vital role women play in driving innovation and creativity across industries, while also acknowledging the need for increased gender equality in protection and enforcement of IPRs.
Women have been underrepresented in the field of IP for decades, with a significant gender gap in IP filings and ownership. This lack of representation has not only resulted in missed opportunities for women innovators, creators and entrepreneurs but also in missed opportunities for global innovation, creativity and economic growth.
According to WIPO, over the last decade, there has been a 6% increase in the share of women inventors in international patent applications and a 10% increase in patent applications that included at least one woman inventor. WIPO estimates that at current rates, gender parity among PCT-listed inventors will not be achieved before 2064. Further, a study by the Global Art Market revealed that works by women artists fetch less at auctions than those by men.
By recognizing and supporting women in IP, we can unlock their potential to drive progress and fuel innovation and creativity across all sectors. In celebrating the “can do” attitude of women innovators, creators and entrepreneurs, CFL Advocates, will be offering coaching in IP to women innovators, creators and entrepreneurs. The first cohort of the coaching program, which will run for the next three (3) months will consist of 25 women leading social enterprises. We are looking for enterprises whose main objectives are to improve the communities and societies around them. Our goal is to provide these women with the knowledge and tools they need protect, enforce and commercialise their IPRs so as to attain the desired business objectives and positive impact on their societies. Happy World IP Day!
