Bridging the Gender Divide in Patent Innovation Across Latin America

The Global Intellectual Property Alliance (GLIPA), established just over a year ago with a mission to broaden access to intellectual property (IP) systems worldwide, is actively addressing gender disparities in patenting across Latin America. Working alongside the Mexican think tank CAIINNO, GLIPA’s Latin America Chapter has focused on understanding women’s participation in patenting within Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.

GLIPA’s founders, Maria Fernanda Hurtado and Esteban Santamaría Hernandez, emphasize the alliance’s commitment to attracting diverse users to the IP system and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage IP rights effectively.

A recent WIPO study underscores the global nature of the gender gap in patenting, revealing that from 1999 to 2020, women accounted for only 23 percent of all patent applications and 13 percent of listed inventors worldwide. The study projects that Latin America will reach gender parity in patenting by 2068, seven years later than the global forecast of 2061.

GLIPA and CAIINNO’s research provides granular insights into patenting trends from 2017 to 2022 in the four Latin American countries. Their data show a decline in patent filings by both men and women inventors during this period. However, patent applications from mixed-gender inventor teams have increased significantly, indicating a positive trend in women’s participation within collaborative innovation efforts.

Despite this progress, a substantial gender gap remains. The study’s findings highlight the urgency of implementing targeted measures to close this divide and foster a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.

1. Strengthening collaboration with organizations like WIPO to standardize and improve the collection of gender-disaggregated IP data globally. Enhanced data accessibility will enable policymakers and stakeholders to better understand and respond to participation disparities.

2. Actively reaching out to women inventors and encouraging their engagement with the IP system through partnerships among governments, business associations, civil society groups, and local innovators.

3. Rethinking IP education by expanding beyond its traditional legal framework to present IP as a practical toolkit for inventors and entrepreneurs. This includes promoting IP skills and entrepreneurship education at universities and introducing IP concepts in primary and secondary schools.

4. Continuing to build momentum in breaking down barriers to IP access, leveraging awareness campaigns and collaborative initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion within the IP ecosystem.

As GLIPA marks its first anniversary, the alliance reaffirms its dedication to supporting a more inclusive and diverse IP system. On World Intellectual Property Day 2024, GLIPA invites innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders worldwide to join efforts in bridging the gender gap in innovation and intellectual property, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous future.

For more information about GLIPA’s initiatives and how to get involved, visit their official website.