April 26 is World Intellectual Property Day, created by the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 “to raise public awareness about the role of IP in daily life, and to celebrate the contribution made by innovators and creators to the development of societies across the globe.” This year’s theme is “Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity,” and events took place around the world.

In honor of World IP Day, the BPLA, along with WIPO, the Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada), Inc., The American Intellectual Property Law Association and Boston College Law School (BC Law) co-sponsored an inspiring and educational two-panel event and evening reception at BC Law to celebrate the success of Massachusetts women entrepreneurs, discuss the challenges that remain, and get inspired to continue moving forward.

After a warm welcome and opening remarks from David Olson, Associate Professor at BC Law, the audience watched a brief video provided by WIPO, featuring Dr. Ellen Ochoa (Director of Johnson Space Center) as an introduction to World IP Day.

The first panel, entitled “Looking Back at the Road to Success,” was moderated by Lynnise Pantin, Clinical Associate Professor at Entrepreneurship & Innovation Clinic at BC Law. The panelists included Pamela Layton, President and Executive Chairman of Bioarray Genetics; Betty Francisco, General Counsel at Compass Working Capital; and Wynn Coggins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

“Inspiring the Future,” the second panel, was moderated by BPLA President-Elect Deirdre Sanders. The panelists included Patricia Boyle-McKenna, Interim Chief Information Officer at City of Boston; Cynthia Gilbert, Founding Partner at Blueshift IP, LLC; and Aishwarya Limaye, a third year student at BC Law.

After the panelists told the audience about the mentors they had, the challenges they overcame and paths they took to their present success, they discussed suggestions regarding how industry can be more inclusive and gave advice to inspiring entrepreneurs.

The discussions continued into the evening at the reception, over prosecco, chocolate-dipped strawberries and other treats, and planning for next year has already begun! If you would like to be involved in next year’s World IP Day Boston, please contact