The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative Report and Best Practices Toolkit 2026 Update

Launched in 2020, The Women’s LeadershIP Initiative (WLI) was created to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership roles in the field of intellectual property (IP). As part of the launch and in direct response to COVID-19, the original Best Practices Toolkit was created to meet an urgent moment by offering practical guidance as workplaces shifted overnight. The original report centered on research and recommendations surrounding the experiences of women in the workplace. A brief update was provided post-COVID in 2022.

This in-depth 2026 update builds on earlier research by incorporating new survey data from INTA members that reflects insights from INTA members on what is working, where progress has stalled, and what leaders need to do differently to advance women’s leadership in meaningful ways. The updated Toolkit moves beyond policy awareness to emphasize implementation, accountability, and measurable impact in three key focus areas in the IP field: advancing women’s representation, advancing women’s careers, and advancing work-life integration.

What’s New in the 2026 Update

• A new foreword by WLI Executive Champion Ayala Deutsch marking five years of progress and outlining the path forward
• Updated research findings supported by visual data elements
• Direct comparisons between the original 2020 data and the 2025 data
• Updated best practices reflecting the modern state of women’s leadership
• Additional global resources and tools aligned with each recommendation

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