29 April 2025 2 minute read
This spring, Spelman College continued its legacy of leadership in innovation and academic excellence by hosting the 2nd Annual Intellectual Property Symposium, "Play by the Rules"— an unprecedented event among higher education institutions and the first of its kind at an HBCU.
The symposium was envisioned and executed by Chelsea Mendes, C'2025, a political science major graduating two years ahead of schedule. The young powerhouse aimed to create a space where students and young professionals could explore the vital intersections between intellectual property (IP) law, entrepreneurship, innovation and advocacy.
Held on Spelman’s campus, the daylong symposium attracted a dynamic group of students, legal professionals, creatives, and athletes — all eager to deepen their understanding of intellectual property rights in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. From aspiring entertainment lawyers to entrepreneurs seeking to protect their brands, attendees were united by a shared desire to safeguard their creative and commercial endeavors.
I was motivated to attend because I’m deeply interested in how intellectual property intersects with innovation, entrepreneurship, and advocacy,” said one student attendee. “I hope to gain a clearer understanding of the legal protections surrounding intellectual property.”
The event began with a welcome reception, where participants picked up symposium materials sponsored by Mentimeter and networked over refreshments. Mendes, the visionary behind the event, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the importance of IP education for historically underrepresented groups. She was followed by remarks from Jaz Turner, a well-known content creator in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, who underscored the significance of IP awareness for athletes and creatives.
Session 1: “Music Ownership 101: How to Register Your Songs and Protect Your Rights”
Led by singer-songwriter and artist advocate Kierstyn Alysse, this interactive session guided attendees through the process of registering music with Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP and BMI. Alysse provided practical tips, real-world scenarios, and common pitfalls to avoid as independent artists.
Panel Discussion: “From the Field to the Boardroom”
This powerful session featured former athletes and business leaders who discussed strategies for leveraging athletic experience in post-sports careers. “As a student-athlete myself, I wanted to learn about how to navigate a career outside of playing sports,” said one participant. “This panel gave me hope and direction.”
Mini Panel: “Understanding Key Terms in Endorsement Contracts”
Led by Spelman alumna Traci Bransford, C’85, Partner and Sports & Entertainment Industry Team Leader at Parker Poe, this session broke down complex contract language related to licensing, exclusivity, and ownership. Attendees left with a stronger grasp of how to protect their interests in future brand deals.
The day concluded with a networking dinner that brought students, speakers, and sponsors together for reflection and connection. Mendes expressed her gratitude to her team and the wider Spelman community:
I credit my amazing interns — Saidah, Alysa, and Tori — for their invaluable help in bringing this symposium to life. They were integral in ensuring everything ran smoothly,” said Mendes.
The event resonated deeply with attendees. One aspiring entertainment lawyer shared:“This symposium is where I will build the foundations to protect my future clients’ creative works, and I am excited to begin my education in this field.”
With its growing impact, the Intellectual Property Symposium at Spelman College is poised to become a flagship event in IP education for students across disciplines. It not only reflects the forward-thinking spirit of Spelman’s student body but also reinforces the College’s commitment to cultivating leaders equipped to thrive at the intersection of creativity, law and business. With Mendes leading the charge, Spelman is poised to be at the forefront of intellectual property education, empowering the next generation of innovators and advocates.
To learn more about the origins of this student-led initiative, explore highlights from the inaugural event here on LinkedIn.