Mandy Haberman - BFIY 2000 Winner

Mandy, who was previously a graphic designer, has patented her unique inventions for protection. V&A Marketing Ltd in Cardiff sells the Anywayup Cup to 70 countries worldwide and it is licensed for sale in the United States.

Mandy also invented The Haberman Feeder which is licensed for sale abroad. Sponsored by The Patent Office and Fair Play London, the event highlights the creative ideas of women at a time when patent applications in Britain are at an all-time high.

Many of the women who competed for the awards have patented their inventions to deter people from copying them and claiming them as their own.

“I have had a brilliant term as British Female Inventor of the Year. The Award attracted a great deal of free publicity both in the press and on television. This has been a direct benefit to both sales of my product, the Anywayup cup, and to me personally. Most significantly, the title provided me with a platform from which to urge for much needed changes to the patent system.

Public perception of inventors has always been of eccentric, bow-tie clad boffins essentially male. Before the competition I thought that, as a female inventor, I was out there on my own but I was wrong.

The event has been a great opportunity to network with other like-minded women and make new friends”.  Mandy Haberman - BFIY 2000 Winner