Gender disparity in patent inventorship and ownership

Introduction

Technological innovation is key for fostering societal growth and development while also stimulating the economy. However, a significant gender disparity persists in inventorship and patent ownership worldwide. Although there has been notable progress in recent years, in 2022, women constituted only 17% of international patent holders, leaving men overwhelmingly dominant at 83%. [1]

Gender disparity based on technological sector and geographical area

The representation of women inventors varies across different fields, with the highest proportion of female inventors being in the field of chemistry, while the lowest proportion of female inventors seen in the field of mechanical engineering [1]. The proportion of female inventors in the field of electronic engineering has seen some improvement, with women constituting approximately 10-15% of inventors globally [2].

In the UK, the proportion of female inventors has seen a modest increase over the past few decades. However, the majority of patent applications remain male-dominated; in 2015, 88% of all GB patent applications were from all-male inventors, and this figure rises to almost 96% when mixed-gender teams (with at least one male inventor) are considered [3].

Geographical differences also influence the gender gap in patenting. South Korea and China lead globally, with over a quarter of patents filed in the past decade involving women inventors. In contrast, European countries report lower figures, with only 13.2% of patent applications including women. [1]

Systematic barriers

According to a report by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research [4], there may be several systematic barriers contributing to underrepresentation of women in innovation, patent inventorship, and patent ownership.  Firstly, women are highly underrepresented in STEM-related educations and professions. Women hold less than a quarter of global jobs in science, engineering, and technology, and occupied only one in three research positions in 2020. Secondly, challenges in work-life balance may also limit the capacity of women to engage in innovation and patenting activities, as women often shoulder a disproportionate share of household and caregiving responsibilities. Furthermore, gender and racial biases may create unwelcoming environments for women which further hinders their participation. Lastly, many women lack formal education on the patenting process, leaving them unaware of how to navigate the system effectively.

Importance of IP

Intellectual Property ownership can increase the success and revenues in most businesses, and therefore will be especially beneficial for women entrepreneurs in unlocking growth in their businesses.

In an event co-hosted by WIPO and WTO [5], focussed on Empowering Women-led MSME through IP, ADG Alemán emphasized the role of IP to financially support women inventors, entrepreneurs and creators. He noted women’s active participation in the economy can be a key driver of growth and improved corporate performance. “Despite comprising a significant portion of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, women entrepreneurs face a $1.7 trillion finance gap, which limits their potential to add up to $10 trillion in economic value to the global economy by 2030. Intellectual property (IP) can help bridge this gap by enabling women-led businesses to protect and leverage their innovations. Research shows that women-owned businesses with patents pending have average revenues more than 16 times higher than those without IP protection” he said.

Mentorship and effective legal support plays a crucial role in bridging the gender gap in patenting. For example, collaborations with university advisors during graduate programs are linked to higher rates of first-time patenting among women. This highlights the significance of guidance and support in the invention process. For businesses, such as SMEs, it may be particularly helpful to seek support from qualified IP attorneys to explore how their businesses can make use of the various forms of IP.

Conclusion

Addressing the gender gap in inventorship and patent filings requires a multifaceted approach. Enhancing formal education on the patenting process, promoting work-life balance, combating stereotypes and biases, and fostering mentorship opportunities are essential steps toward achieving gender parity in innovation. By implementing these measures, the full potential of diverse inventors and patent owners may be achieved, which will drive economic growth and societal advancement.