Barriers faced by Women inventors in accessing Intellectual Property Protection

Abstract

The present era is marked by significant milestones for women across various fields. Although women inventors have existed in the past, the range of opportunities and areas available for invention today is broader than ever before. The women-led movement is steadily gaining momentum, reflecting a transformative shift in societal attitudes and increased recognition of women’s capabilities as innovators, leaders, and change-makers across diverse sectors. However, it is not easy for women to make a mark as inventors, as there are many barriers which are faced by women as they put their intellect and abilities to good use. The study highlights key obstacles such as a lack of awareness and legal literacy regarding IP rights, financial constraints associated with filing and maintaining IP registrations, procedural complexities, limited institutional support, and persistent gender biases within innovation ecosystems. It further explores how these barriers affect women, particularly those from marginalised and rural backgrounds, thereby reinforcing existing inequalities in innovation and technological advancement. Adopting a doctrinal approach, the paper analyses relevant IP laws, policies, and institutional frameworks, complemented by secondary data. The paper concludes by emphasising the need for gender-responsive IP policies, enhanced awareness programmes, simplified procedures, and targeted institutional support to ensure equitable access to IP protection for women inventors. Strengthening access to IP rights is essential not only for empowering women inventors but also for fostering inclusive and sustainable innovation