Gender Equality and Intellectual Property

Men and women are equally creative and innovative. Yet, women remain under-represented in many areas.

WIPO is committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment both within the Organization and in the wider world of intellectual property (IP).

WIPO's Policy on Gender Equality , adopted in 2014, aims to provide a general framework for how the Organization aims to integrate a gender perspective in its policies and programs.

Haberman: Feeding Innovation for Over 35 Years

Find out how a creative idea paired with strategic use of IP laid the foundation for a successful business opportunity for “mumpreneur”, Ms. Mandy Haberman.

Bend the Trend – Making gender parity a reality at the WIPO Assemblies (Photo: WIPO). Find out more...

The Challenge: Gender Gaps and Insufficient Data

Despite general improvements in gender equality around the world, gender gaps in patenting, in particular, persist. WIPO’s latest data show that just 30.5% of the international patent applications filed via the Organization included at least one women inventor.

While it is encouraging that the number of PCT applications with at least one woman inventor has nearly doubled since 2007, gender parity remains a distant prospect. Assuming that the trend continues, the numbers are expected to balance out only in 2076.

Furthermore, only limited data is available with which to measure women’s contributions in other areas of intellectual property, such as trademarks and copyright. As such, more work is needed to ensure that both men and women can equally access and use the IP system and profit fully from their creative and innovative assets.

Do Patents have Gender?

Over the past several decades, gender studies have influenced numerous areas of law, often illuminating hidden biases that had gone unappreciated. This research paper discusses gender issues in patent law, relating patents to the previous literature on law and gender, and suggesting potential ways forward for equitable systems of innovation and creativity.

Indigenous women of Panama

The indigenous women of Panama are adept at turning their traditional knowledge into an IP asset.

Founder of Indonesia's "JAVARA", takes brand global

Meet Indonesian businesswoman Helianti Hilman, whose strong trademark strategy is helping promote her "Javara" brand of Indonesian food biodiversity products in overseas markets.

Women in IP

A collection of photos featuring women active in the world of IP. From staff, to delegates, visitors, and more. Photos on Flickr.

Stories from the field

A selection of content on the theme of role models, gender equality, women’s empowerment and IP. Find more case studies and WIPO Magazine articles on the topic.

Initiatives at WIPO

Frequently in cooperation with national IP offices and other partners, WIPO organizes informational and capacity building events that focus on the creativity and innovation potential of women:

International Gender Champions

WIPO is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions Network, which brings together committed leaders to serve as champions for gender equality.

Gender Equality and Intellectual Property

The Challenge: Gender Gaps and Insufficient Data

Videos More videos on YouTube

Indigenous women of Panama

Founder of Indonesia's "JAVARA", takes brand global

Photos

Women in IP

Stories from the field

Initiatives at WIPO

International Gender Champions

Related links

Cooperation

About IP

Inside WIPO

Policy

Videos