14. IP Inclusive: an overview

14. IP Inclusive: an overview

IP Inclusive is an initiative that promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion within the intellectual property professions. It aims to create a more inclusive working environment by raising awareness, providing support, and encouraging best practices among professionals in the IP sector. The organisation collaborates with various IP associations, firms, and individuals to drive positive change in the industry.

IP Inclusive also runs the Careers in Ideas outreach initiative aimed at improving access to IP-related careers and raising diversity in the IP professions.

As well as promoting diversity and inclusion, IP Inclusive aims to support the mental wellbeing of IP professionals (in all roles and at all career stages). It provides resources and events in conjunction with Jonathan’s Voice (a mental health charity closely connected to the IP profession) and LawCare. It also has its own Mental Health Hub.

There are also several specific “communities” under the umbrella of IP Inclusive. These are groups of individuals providing a safe space to support each other, to share best practice and experiences, to learn from each other, to network or simply to enjoy each other’s company. Even if you don’t belong to one of these groups, you’re still welcome to be involved with any of our communities as an ally.

If you would like to know more about any of IP Inclusive’s events, resources (including an “EDI Starter Pack” and “Allyship: The Basics”), communities or initiatives, you can find out more on the IP Inclusive website. In its own words, “it was created by volunteers for volunteers”, so please reach out should you want to get involved.

Communities within IP Inclusive

IP & ME

• Dedicated to promoting ethnic diversity within the IP sector.
• Provides resources, networking opportunities, and platforms for IP professionals from minority ethnic backgrounds and their allies.

IP Ability

• Focuses on disability inclusion in the IP profession.
• Promotes awareness, support networks, and resources for professionals with disability, neurodiversity and health conditions of all kinds, as well as for carers, and for their allies.

IPause

• Support and information for IP professionals going through (peri)menopause, as well as those who will experience menopause or are post-menopause.
• Provides information and guidance to those who work with or want to help support these individuals as well.

IP Futures

• For those in the first few years of being an IP professional, offering support and networking.
• All IP-related roles are supported, including trainee patent and trade mark attorneys, examiners, formalities officers etc.
• Works particularly closely with the Careers in Ideas team.

IP Out

• For LGBTQIA+ professionals in the IP community and their allies.
• Aims to foster an inclusive environment through advocacy, networking events, and awareness campaigns.

Women in IP

• Focuses on supporting and empowering everyone who identifies as a woman in the IP profession.
• Provides support and networking. Events range from talks and panel discussions to more informal social events. Allies welcome.

All of the communities actively welcome allies. Becoming involved with a community as an ally shows your support for that group of people.

IP Inclusive is committed to building a more diverse and equitable IP profession through the work of these specialised groups, each addressing unique challenges and opportunities within the field. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more or volunteer via [email protected] and [email protected].