April 26 is International Intellectual Property Day. The theme for 2023 of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is “Women and IP: Accelerating innovation and creativity”. The annual Intellectual Property Day is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of intellectual property rights as a catalyst for innovation and creativity. We often unnoticed this aspect, especially in relation to women.

Women play an important role in the field of intellectual property, and they often face barriers related to gender inequality. For example, it may be more difficult for women to access capital and resources to develop their ideas. Also, women may face discrimination in protecting their intellectual property.

Despite these challenges, women continue to be creative and contribute to the innovation economy. For example, research shows that companies where women are in high positions are more likely to develop innovative products. For example, STEMBoard, one of America's fastest growing companies, and LINGO, a computer technology in education company, are led by Aisha Bowe, who is also a rocket scientist. Hedy Lamarr was an actress and inventor also known as one of the first women to make a significant contribution to the field of intellectual property. She pioneered the technology and developed spectral division technology to help radio-controlled torpedoes find their target. This technology later became the basis for today’s WiFi and Bluetooth communication systems.

Moreover, women often develop innovative products and services that aim to solve social problems. They create products that improve people's lives and help the economic growth.

Bobokul Toshev, Chairman of the Chamber for Copyright Protection noted, women play an important role in the field of intellectual property and accelerate innovation and creativity. We must recognize and remove any barriers to gender inequality in order to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for women in this area. In general, intellectual property must become even more inclusive to enable everyone, regardless of gender, race or social status, to contribute to the development of the economy and society. World Intellectual Property Day emphasizes the importance of protecting innovation and creative achievement.

Media Department of the Chamber for the Protection of Copyrights of Artists, Artists and Performers