Intellectual property combines technology, innovation, and legal expertise. Yet women continue to be underrepresented in technical fields. Our patent attorney, Dr. Sabine Koch, knows this firsthand.
When she studied electrical engineering, women made up only around two percent of the student body. Although progress has been made, women are still significantly underrepresented in many technical degree programs and professions today.
The IP profession, however, offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities. The work is diverse, international collaboration is part of everyday practice, and professional experience becomes increasingly valuable over time.
This makes IP an attractive career path for many women, particularly because career development can often be more flexible than in other technical professions.
According to Sabine, the greatest challenge is not the profession itself, but the societal expectations that shape girls from an early age. Technical interests are still more actively encouraged in boys than in girls.
This is why visible role models and early encouragement are so important in inspiring young women to explore technology and innovation.
Her advice to the next generation is simple: be courageous, embrace lifelong learning, and never let self-doubt hold you back. After all, innovation begins where people are willing to step into the unknown.