Since 2022, the United Nations has recognized March 10 as the International Day of Women Judges. By celebrating this day, the UN seeks to promote women’s current and future participation in all levels of the judiciary, acknowledge the challenges faced and progress made by women judges, and inspire the next generation.  

[Photo/WIPO]

Through the Judicial Institute, WIPO has the privilege of working with extraordinary women judges known for their contributions to intellectual property (IP) adjudication within their jurisdictions and worldwide. Their insights provide a spectacular window into the drive and determination required to ascend to one of the most dynamic and demanding professions. WIPO is honored to highlight a handful of their experiences today in celebration of the International Day of Women Judges.  

Judge Sarangerel Alyeksandr, Administrative Court of Appeals, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

[Image: Judge Sarangerel Alyeksandr]

What inspired you to become a judge, and what were the key decisions you made or opportunities you sought that translated this goal into reality?

My inspiration to pursue a career in law began at the age of six, when I met my grandmother’s colleagues, who were legal drafters. Following this dream, I graduated from law school in 1996. Early in my career, the Deputy Minister appointed me secretary of a working group responsible for revising five draft laws as part of a broader legislative reform effort to ensure alignment with the new democratic Constitution. Despite my limited experience, this role carried significant responsibility and required considerable effort and perseverance. Several judges from the Supreme Court were members of our law-drafting team, and collaborating with them allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the judiciary. Through this experience, I realized that becoming a judge represents the pinnacle of a legal career, and I began to recognize the vital role of the legal profession in protecting human rights. The law drafts developed by our team were approved by Parliament in 2002, and my curiosity grew as I questioned how the principles and concepts of these new laws would be applied in practice, particularly in the courtroom. This interest motivated me to pursue further studies, and I obtained my Master’s degree in Australia. After dedicated preparation, I passed the judicial examination and was appointed as an Administrative Court judge in 2014.

What motivates you to continue your work in the judiciary each day?

Mongolian administrative court judges resolve a wide array of complex disputes, and each day presents a new challenge. I find profound satisfaction in identifying the root causes of problems, knowing that each case offers a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Every case is distinct, and this diversity continuously reaffirms the richness of life. Mongolian law, grounded in the civil law system, places upon judges the critical responsibility not only to evaluate evidence impartially but also to ensure fair application of the law and protection of human rights. The knowledge that my daily efforts help safeguard justice, preserve human dignity, and advance fairness in society motivates me every day. 

What are the top three traits that aspiring women judges should develop now for future success in the judiciary?

In my capacity as a judge-trainer, I would like to offer three key recommendations to aspiring female judges. First, judges must cultivate a positive and ethical mindset in order to become a moral and effective judicial officer. If a judge struggles with personal ethical dilemmas or negative biases, it becomes impossible to fulfill their role effectively. Second, aspiring judges must recognize that the role demands an exceptional level of responsibility and dedication to justice. This requires constant self-monitoring of one’s words and actions, along with a commitment to both professional and personal development. For female judges, balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, family commitments, and friendships is of equal importance. Therefore, it is essential to establish a daily routine that incorporates healthy habits, enabling one to balance work and personal life effectively. Finally, if you can embrace the perspective that your work as a judge is driven by your personal aspirations and dreams, and acknowledge the significance of the role you play in society, your daily work will become a source of fulfillment. 

How did you develop an interest in IP, and why have you continued in the field?

I developed an interest in IP law while working at the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs. There, I participated in drafting copyright and patent laws. Over the course of my judicial career, this interest naturally deepened. Initially, like many judges, my focus was on foundational legal principles. However, as I encountered a number of cases involving the intersection of technology, innovation, and creativity, I became increasingly intrigued by the distinct challenges presented by IP law. IP cases often involve complex technical and scientific issues, as well as critical considerations regarding fairness, economic rights, and social impact. The intersection of law and innovation captivated me, and I came to recognize the essential role that IP plays in safeguarding the rights of creators while fostering economic growth. 

What challenges did you encounter on your path to the judiciary, and how did you overcome them?

I began my judicial career while raising three young children, with my youngest daughter just seven months old at the time. At first, I believed I could sustain the demands of the judiciary only for a limited period. However, twelve years have passed, and I remain in this role, finding that my passion has only deepened over time. Nevertheless, this journey required me to learn and adapt in many areas. I had to acclimate to the culture of a new institution, manage the significant workload and responsibilities of a judge, and continuously develop both professionally and personally. I also had to navigate and understand the often-negative perceptions of judges in society. To overcome these challenges, I strived to understand the needs and hopes of those who come before the judicial system, while remaining committed to my work with honesty and integrity. Through these challenges, my goal was to become a well-adjusted and fulfilled judge who could find balance between professional duties and personal well-being. To achieve this, I created a detailed time management plan, incorporated meditation and yoga into my routine, regularly participated in psychological training, and made it a priority to spend weekends and holidays with my family. I am deeply grateful for the support of my husband, children, friends, assistant judges, and colleagues, all of whom have contributed greatly to helping me navigate these challenges. 

Judge Florence Butin, President, Court of First Instance – Paris Central Division, Unified Patent Court

[Image: Judge Florence Butin]

What inspired you to become a judge, and what were the key decisions you made or opportunities you sought that translated this goal into reality?

When I had to make key decisions that would influence my career path, my primary goal was to work for a public service or institution, but not necessarily as a judge. I was also, for example, interested in becoming a labor inspector. Driving factors in my choices were human interactions — within a team, or with individuals we work for — and opportunities to regularly vary my activities and environment. I had the chance to approach the judiciary and to meet inspiring judges while I was a law student. I observed them sharing their opinions, thoughts, and doubts and decided to pursue this career path.

What motivates you to continue your work in the judiciary each day?

My motivation to work every day comes from the variety of situations that can be encountered, and the careful consideration of all aspects leading to a suitable solution, or at least the most suitable one. Due to my current position, I am mainly involved in managerial tasks. This requires the same attitude as the bench — listening to everyone, discussing, balancing all interests, and finally making decisions. One important challenge to overcome as a judge is the fear of deciding the wrong way, should there be a right and a wrong way; judges must accept this risk, whether alone or within a panel.

How did you develop an interest in IP, and why have you continued in the field?

I developed an interest in IP while I was still in charge of collective labor disputes. These cases were open doors into the internal functioning of companies and their employees, resources, and projects. IP is a crucial aspect of economic matters, with an international dimension. This latter perspective played a decisive role in all my ensuing choices. I started participating in events where I met colleagues from all over the world, with different cultures and judicial systems. I consider this to be invaluable. Furthermore, IP rights reflect the creativity, innovation, and competition strategies of business life, with major societal challenges as well. When the Unified Patent Court began operations, I had the opportunity to use my experience gained in both management and patent law, and to work for a truly innovative European project. Beyond in-depth expertise, diverse and extensive experience is valued in the judiciary. 

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from your journey thus far?

In light of all that I have observed so far, I would recommend that anyone wanting to become a judge not be too afraid of the role, although it must be taken seriously, given the considerable impact and binding aspect of decisions issued by courts. There are multiple forms of authority, persuasion, and leadership, provided that we comply with the core requirement to perform judges’ duties “impartially and conscientiously” as expressed by the oath I took when I joined my Court. Diversity of backgrounds and experiences is always a great source of enrichment to the judiciary.  

Judge Fu Lei, Presiding Judge of the Third Civil Division (Intellectual Property Rights Division) of the Supreme People's Court, Beijing, China

[Image: Judge Fu Lei]

What are the top three traits that aspiring women judges should develop now for future success in the judiciary?

First, profound and solid professional competence forms the bedrock of a judge's career. Such depth isn't achieved overnight; it stems from daily legal study, case accumulation, and meticulous document refinement. This is the core foundation for female judges to advance steadily and far. Second, judicial wisdom that balances firmness and flexibility is key to resolving conflicts. “Firmness” means skillfully applying the law to settle disputes. The “flexibility” aspect involves leveraging women's innate empathy, communication skills, and understanding to guide parties' emotions during mediation and legal reasoning. This approach resolves conflicts while ensuring litigants experience both the authority of the law and the humanity of justice. Third, inner calm and composure are essential qualities for navigating the high-intensity demands of judicial work. Judges must handle massive caseloads while also bearing personal responsibilities. This challenge is particularly pronounced for female judges; it requires them to maintain inner equanimity, seamlessly transition between demanding work and family life, and draw sustained resilience from support systems and robust mental fortitude.

What motivates you to continue your work in the judiciary each day?

Over two decades, I have witnessed China's rise in innovation across various fields. As the work of innovators is challenging and infringers are numerous, the judiciary serves as the final line of defense in incentivizing innovation and upholding fairness and justice. The responsibility to safeguard innovation is what motivates me to work each day. Through handling individual cases, I have come to appreciate the profound significance of this work in advancing the rule of law and societal progress. For instance, in a copyright infringement case I presided over involving computer software, a crucial judicial precedent was established: where the alleged infringer obstructs evidence preservation through violence, threats, or similar means, the court may make an adverse factual presumption against the alleged infringer and factor this into determining compensation amounts. This ruling not only clarified evidentiary standards but also played a vital role in promoting integrity in litigation and building a social trust system. Whenever I recall this judgment, I feel immense pride. What awakens and inspires me is the next case awaiting adjudication.

How did you develop an interest in IP, and why have you continued in the field?

My interest in IP stems from its institutional essence of incentivizing innovation. Patent adjudication, in particular, captivates me, demanding mastery of both legal and technical fields. Each patent case presents a fresh cognitive challenge: thoroughly grasping the technical essence and delving into the principles of protection. For example, I presided over a series of cases concerning the pharmaceutical use of an independently developed drug. These cases garnered significant attention due to the intertwined civil infringement and administrative validity proceedings. They demanded not only the coordination of factual determinations and legal standards across related cases, but also the resolution of the “hindsight bias” trap often encountered when assessing the inventive step of new drug uses for known compounds. During the proceedings, I rigorously applied statutory standards for inventive step assessment, penetrating beyond superficial technical appearances to legally overturn the invalidation ruling and affirm patent validity. Leveraging the coordinated adjudication mechanism between civil infringement and administrative invalidation cases, we achieved remarkable consistency in judicial standards. This series of cases was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Outstanding Court Hearings in China (5th Edition)” for its innovative trial model and judicial reasoning.

What challenges did you encounter on your path to the judiciary, and how did you overcome them?

For me, this path was never smooth. The lack of trial experience and the absence of a technical background were two major hurdles facing my younger self. I vividly recall my first case as a judge: a complicated technical secret infringement case. Such disputes are notoriously difficult to resolve due to complex factual determinations and technical investigations. Coming from a pure legal background, I felt immense pressure confronting the case's obscure technical proposals and dense specifications. To unravel the core facts, I immersed myself in mountains of case files, analyzing them day and night. To grasp the technical intricacies, I reached out to experts and scholars, seeking their guidance with humility. Through meticulous investigation, I uncovered critical flaws in the technical appraisal conclusions relied upon by the first instance ruling. At that juncture, two paths lay before me: one was to follow judicial appraisal conventions and uphold the existing conclusions; the other was to break precedent and personally investigate the scene to uncover the truth. Considering that the rights holder's innovative achievements might be extinguished by a questionable appraisal conclusion, I resolutely chose the latter. With the support of technical investigators, I led my team to the site for meticulous examination of the equipment and processes. This effort precisely corrected the appraisal errors in the first instance ruling, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the rights holder. From this experience, I learned that in IP adjudication, innovation and upholding justice are equally vital.

What accomplishment or judicial opinion are you most proud of, and why?

My proudest achievement is becoming a judge of the Supreme People's Court of China. Becoming a judge was a dream rooted in my heart since my student days. After completing my master's degree, I spent eight years working in the IP administrative sector, engaged in law enforcement. In 2014, I joined the Supreme People's Court to work in IP adjudication, and in 2016, I was appointed as a judge. From a young girl dreaming of becoming a judge to one who now speaks on the international stage, this honor is a lifelong source of pride that will continue to inspire me.

Judge Aidelena Pereira Véliz, Third High Court Specialized in Intellectual Property, Competition and Consumers, Panama City, Panama

[Image: Judge Aidelena Pereira Véliz]

What are the top three traits that aspiring women judges should develop now for future success in the judiciary?

A career in the judiciary requires many personality traits, among which I would highlight: (1) a passion for study and continuous training, combined with a curious spirit that is open to knowledge and innovation; (2) independent judgment, but tolerance for diversity of opinion; and (3) fortitude to face the challenges that arise in our personal, family, and professional lives as a result of the judicial decisions we make.

How did you develop an interest in IP, and why have you continued in the field?

From an early age, art in its various forms (music, dance, visual arts, literature, and theater) has been the object of my curiosity, admiration, and study. My home was a source of knowledge and rich experiences in these spheres. In 1997, when I was given the opportunity to join a group of people dedicated to protecting the IP rights of authors, creators, and inventors, I was deeply moved and curiously surprised by this twist of fate that redirected my judicial career from civil law to a newly created jurisdiction: the Third Superior Court of Justice. Being a link in humanity’s progress and well-being gives me great satisfaction, but also presents a great challenge: recognizing and protecting the work of creators while imparting justice with promptness, impartiality, and proper application of the law. This challenge keeps my curiosity and commitment to continuing study on constant alert.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from your journey thus far?

Being a woman does not prevent you from achieving major goals, but it does require efficient time management. Being a woman allows you, in addition to being a mother and wife — if that is what you want or what happens — to achieve success, whatever the summit you envision. As a woman and a judge, I have learned to maintain a sustainable balance between the different roles I have assumed: being a mother and wife while being a student, both inside and outside my homeland, and being a mother and wife while being a judge, without neglecting my friendships or my participation in cultural and social activities. This daily tension between competing roles that professional women experience is not raised among men with the same intensity. Challenging the social obligation imposed on us to choose between seemingly incompatible activities can make us the target of criticism. Society still subtly seeks to perpetuate certain values that prioritize the care and management of the home by women. Our right to have the tools and spaces for our intellectual, professional, and work development can unfortunately be seen as a mere exception to the norm. We have made tremendous progress, but gender equity and equality are still, in many parts of the world, a genuine aspiration that has not yet been fully achieved.

What has it been like to transition from being a mentee to a mentor, and has any mentor of yours had a significant impact on you? 

There is no real line separating the apprentice from the mentor. Life is a chain of teaching and learning; being an apprentice and a mentor is part of the same process, and they enrich each other. On a personal level, I would have to highlight my father, a magistrate and president of the Supreme Court of Justice, as one of the great mentors in my life. He taught me respect for the law, the supreme value of integrity and honesty, impartiality in high-profile decision-making, and the importance of nurturing the free spirit that lies within every artist. My mother, with her scientific training and thinking as a biologist and chemist, allowed me to immerse myself in other waters of knowledge and introduced me to her world: that of methodical, rigorous, orderly, and disciplined work; that of continuous research and openness to the unknown and the surprising. My grandmother played an important role in our home as a storyteller and preserver of family histories and cultural traditions of the time. Today, I continue on my path, learning from everyone as I communicate my experiences and knowledge to students and those around me, maintaining the cyclical wheel that turns between apprentice and mentor.

What challenges did you encounter on your path to the judiciary, and how did you overcome them?

My role as a judge faced a great challenge when, in 1993, I was shot because of a judicial decision I had made that had significant economic implications for the parties in conflict. My personal safety and peace of mind unexpectedly became a matter of social concern, and given the danger to my life, some people urged me to leave my position in the judiciary and return to private practice. My strong personality and convictions allowed me to make the decision that was most in line with my thoughts and perceptions of life: I continued to serve as a judge. Today, in 2026, I still believe that the path I followed was the right one. I am proud to have overcome that immense challenge, and I remember with joy and fondness the support provided by my family, friends, and colleagues. I look back with satisfaction on the path I have traveled, and I look to the future with hope and confidence.

Judge Gunel Sevdimaliyeva, Baku Appeal Court, Baku, Azerbaijan

[Image: Judge Gunel Sevdimaliyeva]

What inspired you to become a judge, and what were the key decisions you made or opportunities you sought that translated this goal into reality?

My aspiration to join the judiciary developed through practice and public service. Working within Azerbaijan’s legal system, I observed how judicial decisions directly influence legal certainty, economic activity, and public trust in state institutions. The judiciary appealed to me as a space where independence, professionalism, and responsibility converge. Key steps included gaining experience in complex disputes, particularly those involving administrative and IP matters, continuously improving my legal writing skills, and actively engaging with judicial training programs. These opportunities helped translate a long-term goal into reality. 

How did you develop an interest in IP, and why have you continued in the field?

My interest in IP law developed as Azerbaijan expanded its engagement with innovation, digitalization, and international trade. IP sits at the crossroads of law, technology, and economic policy. I have continued in this field because it requires judges to interpret national legislation in harmony with international treaties such as those administered by WIPO, ensuring balanced protection of rights holders and the public interest. 

What does a typical day in your life look like when you are deciding an IP matter?

A typical day involves reviewing claims, technical evidence, expert opinions, and applicable legislation, including the Administrative Procedural Code and relevant IP laws. Consideration is also given to international agreements and, where appropriate, comparative jurisprudence. Hearings focus on clarifying factual and legal issues, while decision-writing emphasizes clarity, legal certainty, and enforceability within Azerbaijan’s judicial system. 

What has it been like to transition from being a mentee to a mentor, and has any mentor of yours had a significant impact on you? 

Transitioning to a mentoring role has been a responsibility I take seriously. I benefited greatly from experienced judges and legal professionals who emphasized discipline, ethical standards, and judicial demeanor. Their guidance shaped my approach to decision-making and professional conduct, and I now aim to pass those values on to younger colleagues. 

What accomplishment or judicial opinion are you most proud of, and why? 

I am most proud of decisions that clarified ambiguous areas of administrative or IP law and were later referenced by colleagues or practitioners. Such outcomes indicate that the reasoning contributed positively to legal practice and consistency in Azerbaijan. 

WIPO is committed to fostering an inclusive IP and innovation ecosystem that supports progress and creativity for the benefit of everyone, everywhere. Let us celebrate all women judges around the world as we strive for the full and equal participation of women in the judiciary.