New pledge launched to boost diversity and inclusion efforts
IP Inclusive recently launched a new version of its Senior Leaders’ Pledge, tailored to in-house IP professionals, to continue driving positive change across the industry.
Created by IP Inclusive and the IP Federation together, the In-House Senior Leaders’ Pledge is designed to allow leaders in corporate IP departments to make a visible commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I) in their teams.
Following the introduction of the original pledge in July 2021, which focused on private practice firms, the new in-house version considers the adjustments that may be needed for corporate IP departments to align with wider company policies.
The original pledge consists of eight high-level commitments and was created by IP Inclusive’s senior leaders’ think tank, which comprises of senior leaders from the private sector patent and trade mark professions. To date, more than 100 people have signed the original pledge, including CITMA Chief Executive, Keven Bader.
Similarly, the new pledge is also formed around eight commitments which include, embedding and valuing D&I throughout our culture and working closely with relevant senior colleagues to achieve the commitments. The steps taken to achieve each of the commitments can be tailored to suit the size, structure and resources of the individual business.
On its website, IP Inclusive states: “What matters most is that they [the steps taken] are publicised, both internally and externally, to demonstrate that D&I will not be a box-ticking exercise, will not be consigned to silos within the organisation, but will be championed at the highest levels.”
The Senior Leaders’ Pledge is open to all IP professionals in leadership roles, regardless of whether their organisations are IP Inclusive Charter signatories. IP Inclusive encourages senior leaders throughout the IP sector to consider signing up, including those in departments such as HR, marketing, finance and IT.
The pledge can be signed by as many individuals from a leadership team as appropriate. If you would like further information or to sign the pledge, see more here.