Advancing Women’s Leadership in IP: WLI Marks Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month was officially recognized in 1987, though its roots trace back to when Women’s History Week was first observed in Santa Rosa, California, USA, nearly a decade earlier. Created to elevate awareness of women’s contributions to society, the observance has since expanded well beyond the United States, with organizations around the world continuing this important work and amplifying women’s voices across industries and professions.

Background of the Women’s LeadershIP Initiative (WLI)

Founded in 2020, INTA’s Women’s LeadershIP Initiative (WLI) is dedicated to supporting, empowering, and advancing women leaders in intellectual property (IP). Through research, programming at INTA meetings, and ongoing community engagement, the WLI works to strengthen leadership pathways and ensure that women’s perspectives remain central to the future of the IP profession. Learn more about the WLI, its initiatives, and upcoming programming on INTA’s WLI webpage and be part of the WLI journey.

In recognition of International Women’s Day 2026, the WLI launched a month‑long social media campaign throughout March, kicking off with a video message celebrating women’s leadership and impact across the IP community and spotlighting opportunities for action and allyship.

Ways to Learn More from the WLI

Report and Best Practices Toolkit Update

One of the WLI’s earliest projects was the development of its Report and Best Practices Toolkit, originally launched in 2021, followed by an update in 2022. In March the WLI published its 2026 Report and Best Practices Toolkit Update, reflecting insights from a digital survey of INTA members designed to capture experiences and recommendations across three core focus areas: representation, career advancement, and work‑life integration.

The 2026 update incorporates targeted data from respondents while also reflecting a broader geographic and experiential demographic. While the findings show areas of progress, they also highlight persistent leadership gaps and ongoing barriers to advancement. Respondents reported increased flexibility in work‑life integration, potentially a byproduct of the COVID‑19 pandemic, though the quality and consistency of implementation remain critical to long‑term success. INTA members are encouraged to review the report and apply its practical tools and recommendations to help sustain and expand progress over the coming years.

INTA In‑Person Meeting Events

At the 2026 Annual Meeting in London, the WLI will host a Daily Keynote on Sunday, May 3, titled Women Architects of Innovation: AI, Patents, and What’s Next. Moderated by WLI Project Team member Esther Ono, the session will explore the evolving innovation ecosystem and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the IP system. The session will bring together diverse perspectives, including those of a senior IP office leader, a global brand IP executive, and an entrepreneur who transitioned from in‑house practice to founding a business that convenes senior legal leaders.

Virtual Idea Exchanges

In 2026, The WLI is also hosting a series of Virtual Idea Exchanges, offering INTA members opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue around the WLI’s core pillars. The first exchange, held on March 25, Allyship in Action: Men Supporting Women’s Success, featured an all‑male panel of distinguished leaders sharing candid insights on mentorship, inclusive leadership, and tangible actions taken to support women’s advancement.

The discussion, moderated by Auma Reggy (McKesson Corporation, USA), was especially resonant as it took place during Women’s History Month.

Additional Virtual Idea Exchanges will be held later this year, focusing on women in AI and women entrepreneurs. These programs are free and open to all INTA members, with an in‑person Idea Exchange also planned for the Leadership Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

Podcasts

The WLI continues to amplify women’s voices and leadership stories through podcast collaborations under INTA’s Brand & New platform. These episodes feature candid conversations with women leaders and allies across the IP ecosystem, exploring topics such as trust in IP systems, the gender gap in AI, and leadership pathways.

By meeting members where they are through accessible, on-demand content, these podcasts extend the WLI’s impact beyond live programming and provide practical insights and inspiration year-round.

In the latest podcast, Advancing Women’s Leadership: From Intention to Impact, WLI Executive Champion Ayala Deutsch discusses the research behind the Report and Best Practices Toolkit.

Conclusion

Through the WLI’s data‑driven research, practical tools, and engaging programming, the WLI equips organizations and individuals to better understand the barriers facing women in IP and, more importantly, to take meaningful action to advance women’s leadership across the profession.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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