Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols. IP is the base of development of all sectors, from the Internet to health care to nearly all aspects of science and technology and literature and the arts. Innovation is the milestone to development. Creativity and innovation always play a major role in improving living standards and economy. Countries all over the world are adopting policies for development of Intellectual capital. India is widely promoting the intellectual capital development as the country knows it is a dynamic tool for wealth creation, providing an incentive for enterprises and individuals to create and innovate.

However the role of women in IP is not something frequently discussed. The discussion came to forefront in 2018, when the World Intellectual Property Organization decided to theme its annual World IP Day as 'Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity'. There are women who have made their way in IP business but they are too short in number. Even in US, a women who is a prolific inventor in the history of IBM, with 400 patent to her name is an outlier. Statistics all over the world shows that more than 81 percent of patents don't include women and an equal status cannot be expected till 2092. In India only 5.14 percent constituted to female names among the total names appeared in the Patent Journal issued by the Indian IPO, on 20 April 2018. Out of these about a third was listed as first inventors and half only were half of the total, that is around 44.07 percent constituted females of Indian origin.

In this issue, the Women Entrepreneur magazine brings in to spotlight a list of “Top 10 Women In IP CopyRight And Trademark - 2021,” thus motivating more women to come out with their ideas. The list has been crafted by a team of CEOs, VCs and Women Entrepreneur magazine editorial board, thus delivering inspiring stories of their journey and the contributions & roles played by them in the creation and empowerment of a powerful nation.