Today (26 April), The Registry General joins others in Intellectual Property across the world to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day, an opportunity to learn about Intellectual Property (IP) rights' role in encouraging innovation and creativity.
World IP Day 2023, under the theme "Women and IP: Accelerating innovation and creativity", celebrates the work of trailblazing women worldwide and raises awareness about why it is so important to encourage more women to participate in the IP system.
As quoted from the World Intellectual Property Organization, "Understanding intellectual property can often be complex. On the occasion of this year's World Intellectual Property Day, we encourage you to embrace the opportunity to learn more about intellectual property (IP) rights and the role they play in achieving your goals in the field of innovation and creativity."
"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 (IP) system. That means too few women are benefitting from IP."
With that quote in mind, through its Intellectual Property Office, the Registry General's Department takes the opportunity to encourage and celebrate all talented women in Bermuda and across the world by highlighting the following 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. With a wealth of knowledge in IP, they shared their experience to encourage young practitioners to consider careers in IP.
In explaining the various types of IP rights, Mrs. 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."
When asked for advice for women or individuals wishing to leverage their IP rights, Mrs. 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.”
On the other hand, Janee Pitt, Designer and Owner of Tassell Bermuda shared her experience managing and growing her business and how IP helped accomplish her goals. Ms Pitt 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 recognizable to your customers. Having a registered trademark is a huge part of establishing your brand as a legitimate business."
Finally, we recognized Marian Croak, a trailblazer in the field of IP with 200 patents to her name, including the technology behind Zoom. She has become one of the first Black women inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame! Marian Croak is now vice president of engineering at Google and leads the Research Center for Responsible AI and Human-Centered Technology.
To learn more about Bermuda's IP system and how to use it to leverage your creativity and yield successful results, contact the Bermuda Intellectual Property Office at 441- 297-7993 or 441-297-7544 or email rgintellectualproperty@gov.bm.