We share entrepreneurial stories to inspire great ideas...
Heather Boyd
I have been working in the legal field since 1990. I started out in hospitality; transitioned into the legal field: secretary, paralegal in litigation law firm; lateral move to working in a start up a high-tech company and landed in IP law in 2001. I’m a huge supporter of women-owned businesses and am 100% committed to the environment. My head office now stands as a rammed earth building, crafted predominantly by women-led enterprises, showcasing my support for sustainable and inclusive practices. I have clients and associates all over the world. Kindness counts!
Connect with Heather here…
Join us in Season #7 for a panel discussion on “The Importance of Trademarking Your Great Idea” on our YouTube Channel Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real  and if your on the move here is the podcast on iHeart Radio.
CEO/Founder/Principal IP Strategist, Heather Boyd
- Contributed By: Heather Boyd
Tell us a little something about your business...
I founded Pillar IP, Inc. in 2012 after working in several IP law firms where lawyers ran the show and suppressed non-lawyers from climbing “corporate ladder”, despite their business acumen. I worked closely with several direct clients and found that it was easier to really get to know the client’s company and all aspects of their business, but this was not encouraged by the managing lawyers in the firms I was working in. I felt like this was a disservice to the clients where money over management was the familiar mantra of the law firms.
When I left the law firms, I founded my IP agency on the basis that if I can educate my clients with the entire process of IP protections and enforcement, then they can make better decisions and focus on innovation and sustainability rather than paying lawyers to defend them. This has really resonated with my clients and today we have clients from all over the world!
When was your lightbulb moment?
I spent 10 years in IP learning every aspect I could of the “business” of intellectual property law. Not just writing exams to become a Trademark Agent, but reading case law, constantly being curious about the operation and finances of the IP firms I was working in. I got to know every aspect of the law firms from administrative, to docketing systems, to contracts with HR and obviously IP law in Canada and as many countries as I possibly could. This gave me a unique perspective on how to offer my services to foreign associates as well as direct clients. Its much easier for an IP Practitioner to do their job well, if they’re educating their people and clients at the same time. Better informed decision-makers, make better decisions that last.
What are your three words of advice?
Always add value. Value is a perceived by others. If you believe you hold value for someone else, it makes it a lot easier to prove that value to others. If you don’t have value, then the relationship is short-term. My goal has been to develop long-lasting meaningful relationships with all of my clients, so they can trust me to do the work and add value to their companies/life.
Three words of advice...
Never stop learning!
I have been working in the legal field since 1990. I started out in hospitality; transitioned into the legal field: secretary, paralegal in litigation law firm; lateral move to working in a start up a high-tech company and landed in IP law in 2001. I’m a huge supporter of women-owned businesses and am 100% committed to the environment. My head office now stands as a rammed earth building, crafted predominantly by women-led enterprises, showcasing my support for sustainable and inclusive practices. I have clients and associates all over the world. Kindness counts!
Connect with Heather here…
Join us in Season #7 for a panel discussion on “The Importance of Trademarking Your Great Idea” on our YouTube Channel Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real  and if your on the move here is the podcast on iHeart Radio.
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes”
