Source: KIPO
Date  : May 14, 2010

KIPO, with the co-sponsorship of the Korea Women Invention Association (KWIA) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), held ‘the Korea International Women's Invention Exposition (KIWIE2010)’ and ‘Korea Women Inventions Expo’ in Seoul, from May 6 to 9 (Thursday to Sunday). Many fascinating inventions created by women inventors and women-driven companies around the world were exhibited at KIWIE2010. 

Hosting more than 500 women inventors from 30 countries, KIWIE 2010 is one of the many exhibitions, contests, academic presentations and educations programs that celebrate the month of invention ? May. The International Women's Invention Forum and the International Women Inventors' & Companies' Workshop took place concurrently with the exposition. 

KIWIE 2010 had an invention contest and awarded inventions by women, women’s college students and women entrepreneurs who hold rights or applied for industrial properties (patent, utility model and design). The exposition also displayed outstanding products with patents or innovative ideas developed by women inventors or women-driven companies.  

The exposition area was composed of: the invention contest center, where the outstanding inventions by women around the world were examined and awarded; the exposition center, where the inventions of female entrepreneurs were displayed; the promotion center for invention-related organizations around the world; and the event center, where cultural events took place. 

On the second day of the event (May 7, Friday), the International Women's Invention Forum was held to allow women inventors from around the world to share futuristic visions. The forum was held under the theme of the ‘creativity of women and the future market.' 

From May 10 to 13 (Monday to Thursday), the International Women Inventors' & Companies' Workshop took place at the ECC Theater of Ewha Woman's University. Other events included ‘IP Panorama’ (an educational program of WIPO), classes on the IPR and creativity for women inventors and small/medium sized enterprises, case studies on women invention/companies, and industrial inspections. 

The day before the opening of KIWIE2010 (6:30 p.m. May 5), the representatives of each country gathered for the General Assembly of the World Women Inventors & Entrepreneurs Association (WWIEA). During the Assembly, participants evaluated WWIEA's activities in 2009 and discussed future plans and cooperative measures. 

Celebrating its third year, KIWIE was first held in 2008 to share experience and promote cooperation among women inventors and entrepreneurs as well as to propel inventions by women and enhance the public exposure of such inventions. Last year, approximately 270 inventions from 30 countries were introduced at KIWIE, making the exposition the only women’s invention contest of its kind in the world. 

For more information, visit the homepage of KIWIE (www.kiwie.or.kr) or contact KWIA (82-2-538-2710).