Organization and Contributors

This initiative was collaboratively organized by several esteemed institutions:

• WIPO Academy
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• International Intellectual Property Training Institute (IIPTI) under the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO)
• Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology
• Korea Women Patent Attorney Association (KWPAA)

Course Overview

The program provided participants with insights into commercializing research and innovations, enhancing networking among women scientists focused on intellectual property (IP). Notably, the KWPAA contributed significantly by offering over 20 hours of one-on-one pro-bono advisory sessions facilitated by 22 women attorneys.

Curriculum Highlights

Delivered by leading IP experts, including accomplished women scientists like Dr. Helen Lee, the intensive course included both online and in-person components. Key topics addressed encompassed:

• Intellectual Property for Scientists
• IP Masterclass
• The Innovation Cycle and Ecosystem
• Bringing Inventions from Lab to Market
• Generating Value from IP
• Emerging Topics in IP

Interactive Elements and Field Visits

Participants engaged in a patent drafting workshop, coupled with individualized mentoring sessions with KWPAA attorneys. Furthermore, they practiced pitching their innovations to a panel of experts in IP and entrepreneurship.

The final day included a visit to CJ Blossom Park, the largest bio-convergence research facility in the country, demonstrating the intersection of IP and scientific research.

Reflections from Participants

Feedback from participants highlighted the impact of the course. Pantana Tor-ngern from Thailand stated:

“I particularly like the one-on-one session with the patent attorney. Although I did not have any concrete results/products that I wanted patent yet, I had some ideas that I would like to pursue and protect in the future. The lawyer provided many suggestions that will certainly be useful in my future career. I will pass the knowledge gained from this course to my younger peers as much as I can, at least to just raise the awareness of IP among the scientific community at my institution.”

Hanae El Monfalouti from Morocco added:

“The comprehensive sessions on patent strategy, pitching, entrepreneurship, and trademarks, coupled with industry visits and case studies, represented a key moment for me. These experiences provided invaluable insights into real-world applications and challenges, significantly enhancing my understanding of IP management and its role in driving innovation and growth in business. My approach to intellectual property in my work has been profoundly impacted by this experience.”

Role of KWPAA

The Korea Women Patent Attorney Association (KWPAA) plays a pivotal role in empowering women within the IP sector. Under the leadership of Ms. Se Yoon Kim, KWPAA’s President, the organization is dedicated to supporting women in science, technology, and law. The participation of the KWPAA attorneys left a significant impression on course attendees, enhancing their appreciation for IP’s role in their careers.

WIPO Academy’s Commitment to Women in Science

Since 2018, the WIPO Academy has collaborated with UNESCO to offer annual training programs focusing on IP for women scientists. This initiative underscores the Academy’s dedication to promoting IP education and achieving gender equality, ensuring gender balance among participants.