Celebrating Women's Day with Cathy Ayers

8th Mar 2020

Cathy Ayers from Cleveland Scott York joined the intellectual property field in 1990, at what she says was a quite different time.

“Trade mark work was only just starting to be seen as a profession in its own right and it was incredibly rare to encounter a senior female attorney. I spent a lot of time feeling like a complete outsider”.

Following a degree in Natural Sciences, Cathy began training to become a patent attorney but ended up leaving the patent work behind in 1992, qualifying only as a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney. “I think the career chose me,” she recalled.

“I love the problem-solving element of our role. It's also a real privilege to be able to build up a portfolio of rights for a client and then to be able to use that success to clear the way of anyone seeking to trade off their good name.”

Over the 30 years since Cathy joined the profession, she has watched more and more women join the trade mark profession, making her feel less like an outsider.  “Even senior female attorneys are no longer rare”.

Though more women have joined the trade mark profession, Cathy believes that women’s work can still be seen as less valuable by both men and women.

“It feels like such a betrayal on the part of women for them to take that attitude.”

Surrounding yourself with a good support team can be key to overcoming challenges. It gives you a chance to express yourself and realise that you’re not alone. Cathy’s advised us that “everything is easier when you have a tribe looking out for you”.

Celebrating the hard work of women around the world is a big part of encouraging women to choose the career they want. 

Cathy is actively involved in the best business women awards, which is all about recognising women in the business community.

“The women that win those awards are incredible”. Cathy told us that they inspire her and remind her that there is always more you can do.

Reflecting on her experiences, Cathy tells us there are so many messages she would have loved to give her 21-year-old self.

“Apart from the obvious message to 'be yourself' - which I think is probably a lifetime's work. I think the most important piece of advice is to stay curious and be prepared to keep learning all your life.” 

If you are looking to support women in the workplace, visit the Women in IP website. The Women in IP community provides support and networking that focuses on issues that can predominantly affect women working in the IP professions. 

Click here to find out more

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