Women’s Pathways into Intellectual Property: Insights from Industry Leaders

The intellectual property (IP) sector continues to face a gender imbalance, with women significantly underrepresented, particularly among inventors and litigators. According to a 2023 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) report, women comprised only 16.2% of inventors named in Patent Cooperation Treaty applications in 2021, while nearly all applications (96%) included at least one male inventor. Although women have a relatively higher presence in trademarks compared to other IP rights, a 2020 survey by the International Trademark Association’s Women’s LeadershIP Initiative found fewer women engaged in trademark litigation than prosecution.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, World Trademark Review (WTR) and its sister platform IAM conducted a survey involving 26 women working in IP to capture their career experiences and perspectives. This four-part series features insights from prominent figures including the director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the CEO of IPwe, and the chief IP counsel at Ocado, among others. They share challenges overcome, leadership advice, and desired industry changes.

This article focuses on how these women found their way into intellectual property and how the field has evolved since their initial roles decades ago. Understanding the varied pathways women have taken into IP helps identify obstacles and opportunities to increase diversity and talent in the profession.

Among the 26 respondents, only three had originally planned to pursue a career in intellectual property. Four initially aimed for scientific careers—three in science, chemistry, or pharmaceuticals, and one in technology—before transitioning into patents, licensing, or IP management.

The interdisciplinary nature of IP, combining science, technology, and law, attracted many women who held degrees in both science and law. For example, Liz Eadie began her career at a law firm but sought to apply her science degree more directly. She trained as a patent attorney and now serves as executive manager of intellectual property at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency.

Similarly, Kathi Vidal, undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the USPTO, initially focused on science and technology before pursuing law. After working as an engineer and completing law school, she accepted a position with the Federal Circuit, which directed her career toward IP law.

Alida Lundqvist, Ericsson’s patent unit director, did not plan an IP career but was drawn by the intersection of technology, law, and innovation. She found the role of patent attorney trainee exciting, particularly the collaboration with inventors to convert ideas into protected intellectual property rights. She also viewed it as a “future proof” career aligned with technological trends.

Many respondents encountered IP opportunities through job postings. Tessa Malamud-Cohen, director of group patents at Ferring Pharma, recalled seeing a newspaper advertisement in 1992 for a trainee patent attorney position while seeking a PhD placement.

Chandni Agarwal, head of portfolio tech advisers and international strategy at Google, noticed Motorola’s recruitment of patent engineers in India in 2006. Despite limited awareness of patent roles in India at the time, she pursued the opportunity, undergoing rigorous interviews with attorneys from the United States.

Some women were introduced to IP through law firms. Bárbara Castro e Silva, senior IP analyst at Mercado Libre, completed an internship at an IP firm during law school and developed a lasting passion for the field.

Kimberly Tey, an IP specialist at Maxis, described “falling into IP” after being offered a position in the IP department. Her first case involved patent litigation over a blockbuster drug, sparking her fascination with the science behind inventions and the strategic defense of patents.

When asked what aspects of their work bring them joy, respondents highlighted six major themes, including the interdisciplinary challenges, continuous learning, and collaboration with inventors and colleagues.

Mentorship also played a critical role. Six respondents credited guidance from established IP professionals as pivotal in inspiring them to pursue and persist in IP careers. For instance, Lucy Wojcik, chief IP counsel at Ocado, had not initially considered IP until attending a university talk by a patent attorney.

These narratives illustrate that while women’s entry into IP often stems from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, exposure to IP roles and mentorship are key drivers. Addressing barriers and expanding awareness can help cultivate a more inclusive and diverse IP workforce moving forward.