We ask Gökçe Izgi, Partner at Moruglu Arseven in Türkiye, and President of FICPI-Türkiye, to tell us more about her journey from science to intellectual property as we commemorate International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026.
Tell us about your professional background and your move into IP
From the very beginning of my career, I have worked as an intellectual property attorney, advising on both contentious and non-contentious IP matters. What has always driven my professional choices, however, is my deep fascination with science and innovation. While I am legally trained, with a background in law, becoming a doctor was once my childhood dream, and that curiosity for medicine and human health has never left me.
This is why pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and life sciences have naturally become the core focus of my practice. Being involved in an invention from its earliest stages, witnessing how an abstract idea transforms into a tangible product, and contributing professionally to that journey is profoundly motivating for me. It allows me to combine legal expertise with scientific curiosity, strategic thinking and human impact: a balance I find uniquely fulfilling.
How does your science expertise play a part in your career as an IP attorney?
Science is not merely a background element of my work, it is central to it. Advising clients in highly regulated and innovation-driven sectors requires a continuous engagement with scientific developments, regulatory frameworks and complex technical documentation. Every matter, whether related to patent prosecution, licensing, enforcement or litigation, begins with understanding the technology and the science behind it.
Moreover, technology today evolves at an unprecedented pace. Innovations that once unfolded over decades now develop within years, sometimes even months. This dynamism is incredibly exciting and also demands constant learning. It pushes me to closely monitor emerging technologies, assess how they fit into existing legal frameworks, and identify regulatory gaps and compliance challenges. This intellectual dynamism is one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession.
What motivated you to move into patent law?
Patent law captivated me because it sits precisely at the crossroads of science, law, innovation and business. It allows me to remain deeply connected to technological progress while also playing a strategic role in shaping how innovation is protected, commercialised and scaled globally.
Equally motivating is the international nature of intellectual property. IP enables constant interaction with colleagues, clients and institutions across jurisdictions. Exchanging perspectives, debating evolving legal and technological challenges, and collaborating on cross-border strategies not only broadens professional horizons but also fosters a truly global intellectual community.
Do you think women experience barriers to advancement in IP?
As a woman working in intellectual property, particularly in science-driven sectors, I am aware that certain barriers to advancement can still exist, especially in relation to leadership visibility and representation. However, in my own professional environment, I have been fortunate not to encounter such obstacles directly. At our firm, out of 15 partners, 12 are women, and notably, 11 of them have reached partnership through internal promotion. This culture of merit-based progression and genuine commitment to gender equality has been both empowering and inspiring.
That said, my broader professional experience shows that this level of representation is not yet the norm across the industry. When I attended my first FICPI Open Forum in 2017, the number of female participants was noticeably limited. Today, each year, more women are joining the profession, becoming active members of professional associations and assuming leadership roles. The current FICPI Bureau is testament to that, with a woman President in Elia Sugrañes and woman Secretary General in Sharon Crane. This transformation is deeply encouraging.
In parallel, within the innovation ecosystem, an increasing number of women inventors are being recognised through awards, funding and global initiatives a development that I find immensely motivating and hopeful.
How do you find the culture of working in a law firm vs working in science?
Law firm environments are typically fast-paced, highly client-focused and solution-oriented, while scientific environments tend to prioritise long-term research, experimentation and incremental discovery. Both require rigour, discipline and resilience, yet they reward different skill sets.
For me, IP law offers a uniquely stimulating blend: the intellectual depth of science combined with the strategic, practical and commercial dimensions of legal practice. This balance allows me to engage dynamically with innovation while directly contributing to business decisions and societal impact.
There are noticeable differences in remuneration structures between the professions. Legal practice, particularly within IP, tends to offer clearer and more immediate financial progression linked to performance and responsibility. Scientific careers, although deeply rewarding intellectually, often require longer timelines before similar recognition is reflected financially. That said, both paths demand dedication, perseverance and continuous learning.
How has your FICPI membership contributed to your career?
As President of FICPI-Türkiye, one of my strongest personal commitments is to support diversity, inclusion and female leadership within intellectual property.
Women in IP, especially within science-based sectors, often progress in environments where role models and informal networks remain limited. Creating platforms for mentorship, shared experience and open dialogue is therefore critical.
Through FICPI, I firmly believe in fostering international connections, highlighting diverse career trajectories, and empowering younger professionals, particularly women, to see leadership in IP not only as achievable but as a natural progression. The future of innovation, law and technology will be shaped by diversity, collaboration and inclusivity, and our profession has both the opportunity and responsibility to lead this transformation.
Thank you Gökçe, we look forward to seeing you at the FICPI-Türkiye seminar in April!
Next steps:
- Explore opportunities to engage with FICPI’s committees and work groups, covering areas from practice management to international patent matters. Active participation offers a valuable platform to exchange expertise, expand professional networks, and contribute to shaping best practices and future developments in the global IP profession.
- This interview is an initiative from FICPI’s DEIA Committee, click to find out more and get involved.
- Attend our FICPI and FICPI-Türkiye one-day seminar in Istanbul (20 April), bookings now open.
- Join us at the FICPI Open Forum in Budapest (16-19 September), pre-register now.
Both the seminar and Open Forum are open to any interested party in the IP profession.
UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Celebrated on 11 February, 2026 marks the 11th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) and the 31st anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, two significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. This year’s theme for IDWSG is “Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls.”