Intellectual Property Strategy, Development, and Support Program From your brand and innovations to proprietary knowledge and technology, protecting your intellectual property (IP) starts with understanding what you have, what may be protectable, and what steps make sense for your company, regardless of your services or products. In partnership with Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), Conestoga College and Sheridan College, Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS) offers complimentary, cutting-edge intellectual property services for small and medium-sized companies across Ontario. Our goal is to help businesses develop a robust intellectual property strategy that supports the protection, promotion, and commercialization of their technology, products, and innovations, all the while helping you make more informed decisions about your next steps. KNOW WHERE YOU STAND Our team of IP experts can help you understand your IP landscape, identify opportunities and risks, and establish a foundation for your business. Our complimentary services include: Understand your IP: IP strategy and review to identify your intellectual property assets, opportunities, and priorities. See what competitors have protected: Competitive IP landscape analysis to understand the existing IP landscape in your industry. Find opportunities others may have missed: Whitespace analysis to identify potential areas of opportunity. Explore whether your invention may be patentable: Prior art and patentability searches to help inform your next steps. Identify potential patent risks: Preliminary freedom-to-operate screening to identify potential IP considerations before you invest further. Protect your brand: Trademark searching and strategy to help you understand existing marks and inform your brand protection strategy. Put the right IP foundations in place: IP documentation and commercialization support to help prepare your business for future growth. Connect with the right resources: Facilitate connections to relevant IP legal counsel and other resources to support comprehensive IP management. YOUR NEXT STEPS Not sure whether you need IP protection or where to start? We can help you build a clearer picture of your IP and develop a strategy tailored to your business, technology, and industry. For businesses with strong IP potential, our team may also facilitate referrals to IPON and other relevant resources. If you decide to pursue IP protection or other legal services, this pathway can help connect you with the appropriate legal and funding resources. The groundwork completed through our program can also help you approach those next steps with greater clarity and preparation. Potentially eligible businesses may be referred for financial support for services such as: Assessments: IP audits, valuation, and disclosure processing Registrations: Patent filings, trademarks, and copyrights Agreements: Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), licensing agreements, and other IP-related agreements WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Your business may be eligible if: The business and its owner are located in Ontario; and The business has a product or service with a unique feature that may require IP protection. Your intellectual property may be one of your company’s most valuable assets. Start by understanding what you have, where the opportunities may be, and what options are available to you. Apply now Please note: Services provided through this program do not constitute legal advice and do not guarantee IP protection or freedom to operate. Any legal services, IP filings, or funding support are subject to separate eligibility requirements and confirmation. IP TRAINING https://citepi.collegelacite.ca/ IP Gamification Playable Web Version Password: IPStrategy For more information about the program and to apply for participation, please contact DC_RITS@durhamcollege.ca. FAQ What are the program objectives? Our goal is to help businesses develop a robust intellectual property strategy that empowers them to promote and commercialize their technology and products on a global scale. By leveraging our expertise, we aim to foster long-term sustainability within your industry and unlock the full potential of your intellectual property assets. What resources does the program utilize? This program is led by a team of seasoned experts specializing in intellectual property strategy and top researchers in specific technology segments. Along the journey, participants will benefit from valuable technical and research experience. We have partnered with IP Ontario (IPON) and the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) to provide comprehensive training, search tools, and access to IP experts. Additionally, RITS extends high-quality IP resources and expert advice to participating companies, offering financial support to aid in the hiring of IP agents and specialized lawyers during the implementation of their IP strategies. What are the target industries? While we encourage businesses in the health and medical technology, artificial intelligence, craft brewing, mixed reality, cybersecurity, and automotive industries to apply due to our expertise, we welcome businesses from all sectors to explore potential service offerings by contacting us. What are the selection criteria for the program? Participation in the program is free; however, additional financial support will be granted to select industry partners demonstrating promising IP potential. Eligible companies should meet the following criteria: Based in Ontario with ownership and development of their intellectual property. Have at least two full-time employees and the financial capacity to support intellectual property and commercialization efforts for the benefit of Ontario. Demonstrate a clear alignment between their technology and derivative products and services with target market(s). Commit to the project and achieve significant milestones in their IP strategy during pre-commercialization efforts.
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