Grants and Funding for IP Strategy

A strong IP strategy can set a company up for long-term success, while a weak one can leave it vulnerable to competitors or legal disputes. Having a plan in place before legal issues arise is important to mitigate risk and manage unexpected surprises.

We know that securing patents, trademarks, and other protections can be complex and expensive. Federal and Provincial grants can provide your business essential financial support, allowing businesses to invest in a strong IP strategy without straining their resources. Taking advantage of these programs can be a critical step in protecting and growing your business. 

Various programs, such as those offered by Springboard Atlantic, Elevate IP, and Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), among others, can provide businesses with financial support to develop, protect, and execute their IP strategies. Below is a summary of some programs that can help your business fund your IP strategy plans. 

IP Assist (National Research Council and IPIC)

  • The National Research Council (NRCC) and the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) offer an IP Assist program aimed at small and medium businesses to gain an understanding of IP and to leverage their innovations.
  • Eligible Services:  
    • Level 1, Awareness (facilitated through IPIC): one on one IP awareness session with the small-medium enterprise during which they will provide industry specific IP information and guidance to the small-medium enterprise. 
    • Level 2, Strategy (facilitated through IPIC): for working with professionals to develop an IP Strategy 
    • Level 3, Action (facilitated directly with the NRCC): for executing the action items identified in your IP Strategy
  • Grant Amount:  
    • Level 1: $1,000 
    • Level 2: $18,000 

Intellectual Property Ontario 

  • IPON provides intellectual property (IP) education, IP funding and IP support to help small and medium sized Ontario businesses and researchers innovate and grow. Companies operating in the medical technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, or advanced manufacturing sectors who intend to commercialize their own IP may be eligible for funding.
  • Eligible Services: 
    • Competitive analysis / landscape report 
    • IP agreements (non-disclosure, licenses, master service, partnership) 
    • IP survey / audit 
    • IP strategy 
    • IP registration 
  • Grant Amount:
    • Strategy and Implementation: Up to $35,000 
    • Co-investment: 20% required from applicant 

Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) 

  • The IAC program is targeted towards companies focused on technology with data driven clean tech.  
  • Eligible Services:
    • IP Education 
    • IP Strategy 
  • Grant Amount:
    • Full Member Grant: Awards up to $20,000 per grant
    • Associate Member Grant: Awards up to $10,000 per grant
  • External Link: About Innovation Asset Collective (IAC)  

Springboard Atlantic IP  

  • Springboard’s Atlantic IP Advantage Program aims to increase IP awareness and education in Atlantic Canada, focusing on supporting start up businesses. The program also hosts events and awareness initiatives to educate business owners on IP issues.
  • Eligible Services:  
    • IP assessments 
    • Comprehensive searches/ development of an IP road map 
    • IP Strategy and development 
    • IP protection 
    • Execute IP strategy 
    • Coaching 
  • Grant Amount:  
    • Strategy: up to $50,000 
    • Implementation: up to $25,000 
    • Co-investment: 10% required from applicant 

Elevate IP   

  • Elevate IP provides funding for Canadian corporations under 500 employees in Ontario, Manitoba or Saskatchewan to support and execute IP strategies.
  • Eligible Services:  
    • Expert support to implement your IP strategies, including patent and trademark applications. 
    • Mentorship, landscape analysis, prior-art searches and advisory services to develop your IP strategy 
  • Grant Amount:  
    • Strategy: up to $25,000 
    • Implementation: up to $75,000 
    • Co-investment: 10% to 30% required from the applicant 

Navigating government grants for intellectual property strategy and protection can be a daunting task. Our team can help you assess your eligibility, prepare strong applications, and maximize the benefits of these programs enabling you to secure funding and strengthen your competitive edge. To inquire further reach out to our IP Strategy team.