Innovation thrives on diversity, yet women have historically been underrepresented in patent activity worldwide. The concept of women filing patents highlights both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender balance in innovation. Recent data from the European Patent Office (EPO) shows encouraging developments across Europe, while the stories of pioneering women inventors demonstrate the long-standing and important role women play in shaping technology and everyday life.
Women Inventors in Europe: Current Trends
According to the European Patent Office Patent Index 2023, women’s participation in patenting continues to grow, though it remains uneven across countries.
In 2023, 27% of all patent applications filed at the EPO by European applicants named at least one woman as an inventor. Several countries stand out for their higher representation: Spain leads with 46% of patent applications involving at least one woman inventor. France follows with 33%, exceeding the European average.
Despite these positive trends, projections suggest that gender parity in patenting may not be achieved until around 2061. This timeline reflects structural challenges rather than a lack of innovation among women.
Understanding the Gender Gap in Patent Filing
The slower pace toward parity is closely linked to the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. Fewer women working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics means fewer opportunities to participate in research, development, and patentable innovation. As a result, the share of women inventors varies significantly across countries and industries, underlining the need for long-term investment in education, inclusion, and visibility.
Female Inventors Who Shaped Innovation
Hedy Lamarr (1914–2000)
Hedy Lamarr, an Austrian-born inventor and actress, co-developed frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology during the Second World War. In 1942, she and composer George Antheil received a patent for a communication system designed to prevent radio-guided torpedoes from being intercepted or jammed.
Although the invention was not immediately adopted by the military, the underlying concept later became foundational to modern wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Lamarr’s patent demonstrates how visionary thinking can have technological impact decades later.
Hertha Marks Ayrton (1854–1923)
British engineer and physicist Hertha Ayrton made significant contributions to electrical engineering and applied mathematics. Over her career, she secured 26 patents, primarily related to improvements in electric arc lamps and engineering devices.
At a time when women were largely excluded from scientific institutions, Ayrton not only advanced technical knowledge but also actively protected her inventions through the patent system. Her work illustrates how women have long contributed to industrial and scientific progress despite structural barriers.
Ángela Ruiz Robles (1895–1975)
Spanish inventor and educator Ángela Ruiz Robles patented the “Mechanical Encyclopedia” in 1949, a forward-thinking educational device designed to make learning more interactive and accessible. Her invention aimed to reduce the weight of schoolbooks while allowing students to engage with dynamic content.
Often described as a precursor to the modern e-book, her patented innovation highlights the role of women in shaping educational technology decades before the digital era.
Conclusion
The growing presence of women in patent applications at the European level marks meaningful progress, yet significant gaps remain. Statistical trends, long-term parity projections, and historical examples all point to the importance of sustained action. By supporting women in STEM, promoting visibility, and recognizing pioneering inventors, organizations and institutions can help accelerate progress toward a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.
In 2025, Metroconsult obtained the Gender Equality Certification (UNI/PdR 125:2022) as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture.
In support of this initiative, under the project #CertifiedForEqualityCommittedToProgress, Metroconsult collaborated with a group of students from ESCP Business School on a project aimed at raising awareness about the role of women in the intellectual property sector.
This article, together with other content published on the Metroconsult website and on the company’s LinkedIn page, forms part of this awareness and communication initiative.