The Registry General joined a global observance of World Intellectual Property Day yesterday, reflecting on IP rights.

The theme for World IP Day 2023 was "Women and IP: Accelerating innovation and creativity", celebrating the work of trailblazing women.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation said: "For generations, women have shaped our world with their ingenuity and creativity. Women everywhere are driving scientific breakthroughs, setting new creative trends, building businesses and transforming our world.

“Women can bring new perspectives and talents to the table, but there is a problem. Too few women are participating in the intellectual property system. That means too few women are benefiting from IP."

The Registry General's Department, through its Intellectual Property Office highlighted women involved in the field of IP.

Donna Pilgrim, attorney at Conyers Dill & Pearman, and Naomi Pickard, Trade Marks manager at Conyers IP Department, have worked in IP for 31 and 14 years, respectively.

Ms Pilgrim said: “There are several different IP rights, such as copyrights, trade and service marks, patents, design rights, trade secrets, database rights, confidential information and other common law rights that protect unregistered trademarks and 'get up', or trade dress."

For those wishing to leverage their IP rights, Ms Pickard said: "It is important to identify what IP an entity has, or is likely to develop, and consider whether active steps should be taken to protect those rights.”

Janée Pitt, designer and owner of Tassell Bermuda advised: "There is definitely value in registering your trademark. Your trademark is like your business signature. We are always taught to read something before signing it. Once your signature is on something, you are taking responsibility for it or claiming it in a sense.

“Your trademark protects your reputation, protects you legally, distinguishes you from your competitor and makes you easily recognisable to your customers. Having a registered trademark is a huge part of establishing your brand as a legitimate business."

American Marian Croak is a trailblazer in the field of IP with 200 patents to her name, including the technology behind Zoom. Dr Croak was one of the first Black women inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame.

She is vice-president of engineering at Google and leads the Research Centre for Responsible AI and Human-Centred Technology.