Gender Disparity in Intellectual Property Ownership: The Impact of Women’s Under-representation

Perhaps you’re reading this blog from the comfort of your home, safe in the knowledge that you’re protected by your trusted home security system.  

Then it might interest you to know that in 1966, a woman named Marie Van Brittan Brown invented the first home security system, including a video surveillance component. Brown’s invention has become a cornerstone of modern home security technology. 

Or maybe it’s the morning and you’re at the kitchen table enjoying your first coffee of the day.  

For that you can thank Melitta Bentz, the woman who invented the coffee filter.  

These are but two examples of the countless inventions that have given us convenience, cutting-edge technology, medical breakthroughs and delicious desserts—and which can be attributed to brilliant, trailblazing women throughout history.  

Women’s Under-representation in IP Ownership and the Patent Bar 

While there’s no shortage of innovative and entrepreneurial women, research indicates that they are not participating in the intellectual property (IP) system at the same rate as men. 

An in-depth report that was published in 2023 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) highlights the significant gender disparity in IP ownership.  

Gender disparity has been observed across all forms of IP rights, as the below facts illustrate: 

• In patenting, the share of women inventors has grown in each of the world’s geographical regions over the past 10 years. However, as of 2021, women still accounted for only 16.2 percent of all inventors listed in Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications. 

• About 96 percent of all PCT applications listed at least one man as an inventor, whereas only a third of applications listed one woman as an inventor. 

• Although the share of copyright registrations listing women authors has been steadily rising, women still make up a disproportionately small share of authors in registrations, indicating a gender disparity in the use of the copyright system. 

An article published by IPWatchdog concluded that women’s under-representation is also evident among practitioners. According to the US Department of Commerce, women make up a mere 22 percent of US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)-registered attorneys and agents (of which 76 percent are attorney and 14 percent are agents).  

The situation is even bleaker for racially diverse women, who represent just five percent of all USPTO-registered attorneys. 

These figures are especially worrisome given that women consistently outnumber men in law schools. In 2024, 17 of the top 20 US law schools had more female attendees than male attendees. 

Suffice it to say, we have a long way to go toward gender parity in the patent bar.  

Harmful Effects of Gender Disparity in IP Ownership 

The under-representation of women in the IP system is problematic on a number of levels.  

To start, it severely limits women’s access to the many benefits associated with IP ownership. These include increased pay, better professional opportunities, and enhanced visibility within their fields. Women cannot take full economic advantage of their work without greater participation in the IP system.  

But the gender disparity doesn’t only impact women—it harms society at large. A 2019 WIPO report confirms that closing the gender gap in patenting could increase a nation’s GDP by 2.7 percent. When we elevate women, we see truth in the idiom “a rising tide lifts all boats.” 

Impact of IP Ownership on Power, Wealth, and Influence 

The massive benefits associated with closing the gender gap in IP ownership reflect the fact that in today’s knowledge-driven economy, intellectual property is an absolute cornerstone of wealth creation. 

This has been borne out in major studies. According to Ocean Tomo’s “Intangible Asset Market Value Study,” intangible assets, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights, are now responsible for a full 90 percent of the market value of S&P500 companies. For the S&P Europe 350 index, the number is slightly lower but still substantial at 74 percent.   

IP ownership provides individuals and organizations with sharp competitive advantages, enabling them to capitalize on their innovations. This leads to increased revenue streams, market influence, and bargaining power.  

It is therefore clear that enhancing women’s participation in IP ownership would empower them economically and socially, contributing to greater gender equality in power and influence. 

Policy Approaches to Closing the Gender Gap 

Addressing the gender disparity in IP ownership requires targeted policy interventions.   

In recent years, several promising approaches to the problem have been advanced. These include: 

• Providing women with networking, mentoring, and advancement opportunities. Organizations like CHIPS have been doing important work in this arena. 

• Implementing educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of IP rights and providing tools to help women navigate the complex IP terrain. 

• Offering financial support for women innovators. This might include grants for women entrepreneurs, loan programs, or scholarships for women in STEM, all of which can help women overcome the financial barriers that often hinder their success.  

Through these types of initiatives, we can make strides in bridging the gender gap. 

By promoting equitable participation in the IP system, societies can harness the full potential of their innovative capacities, leading to broader economic growth and social progress. 

Final Thoughts on Gender Disparity in IP Ownership 

We just celebrated the tenth anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Girls and women are participating in STEM fields at record rates and making tremendous contributions to our world. Our most feted scientists and engineers look a lot different than they used to. 

But it’s imperative that they are properly recognized and fairly compensated for their work through the IP system. We can make this happen by investing in women and committing to eliminating the gender gap in IP ownership. This will allow us to build a more inclusive, just, and innovative future for all.