World IP Day Pledges from Women Across the Industry

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), designated April 26, 2023, as World IP Day. The theme celebrated women inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs within the IP field.

When asked by the World Intellectual Property Review what’s the one thing to focus on for the next year that fits the theme of ‘Women and IP’, Finnegan partner Erika Arner said, “Helping young women become adept at explaining what IP means, and how patents protect great ideas.”

“When I helped launch the Washington, DC chapter of WIN (Women in IP Network) in 2020, our mission was to provide a positive, inclusive professional network where women support and cheer each other on for the good of the broader IP community,” said Erika.

“Among the many ways we have collaborated, celebrated, and cultivated success for women in IP, my favorite initiative is our sponsorship of a team of fourth and fifth grade girls competing in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. After winning the 86-team Northern Virginia regional tournament, they recently won the Virginia state championship.”

She added, “The WIN-sponsored team stood out among mostly school-sponsored teams and the girls have become adept at explaining what IP means, how patents help protect great ideas, and how WIN supports more women becoming inventors.”

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