Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)
- Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is a provincial initiative designed to enhance innovation by supporting businesses and entrepreneurs in managing and leveraging their intellectual property (IP) assets.
- The program aims to help Ontario-based companies understand the value of IP, protect their innovations, and compete effectively in the global market.
- Target audience includes startups, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and innovators across various industries.
Key Objectives
- Foster IP awareness and education among Ontario’s business community.
- Provide access to expert IP services and resources to help companies develop and protect their IP.
- Support the commercialization of innovations through strategic IP management.
- Enhance the global competitiveness of Ontario-based businesses by leveraging IP.
Benefits and Support
IP Funding
- Clients can receive funding for IP protection and commercialization, covering up to 80% of eligible costs. Clients must contribute at least 20% of service costs and have a plan to sustain the IP.
- Services must be provided by licensed Ontario IP lawyers or registered IP agents
IP Benchmarking
- Clients complete a one-hour IP benchmarking tool to assess their organization’s IP health and awareness.
- The assessment reviews IP strategy, assets, and processes.
- Results inform tailored IP strategies and actions.
IP Education
- Clients participate in a two-hour online workshop with IP experts, including discussions, practical guidance, and case study reviews.
- Module-based e-learning courses are provided to advance IP knowledge.
- Clients earn a micro-credential (digital badge) for each completed learning milestone.
Eligibility Criteria
- The enterprise is an Ontario-based small or medium-sized business with fewer than 500 employees.
- The company operates within the MedTech, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, or mining and advanced manufacturing sectors.
- The business is located in Ontario and has long-term growth plans within the province.
- The company owns intellectual property or holds exclusive licenses, with the intent to commercialize or monetize within Ontario.
- The enterprise demonstrates the potential to generate societal or economic benefits for Ontario.
- The company has the financial capacity to advance the protection and commercialization of IP and related rights, potentially supported by IPON client services.
Application Process
- Complete your application on the IPON website. IPON reviews applications on a rolling basis and will inform you about the decision.
- If selected, you must complete mandatory prerequisite courses before being eligible for funding rounds. Prerequisites courses include: Foundations of IP Strategy Course, Foundations of IP Strategy Workshop, Benchmarking Tool. These prerequisites must be completed by the primary contact with detailed knowledge of the organization’s IP strategy and processes.
- Once you complete the prerequisites, you are approved as an IPON client and become eligible for funding when the next funding round is available.
- You can choose a service provider from IPON’s suggested list or propose your own (which must be confirmed by IPON for eligibility). Riahi Patents is an approved service provider with IPON.
- Work with the selected service provider to create a Statement of Work (SoW) and submit the SoW to IPON for review. IPON will inform you of their decision/feedback regarding the SoW. We, at Riahi Patents, can assist with the Statement of Work related to your project(s).
- Once the SoW is approved, work can begin. Upon project completion, you must submit the final invoice. It is recommended that you follow strict deadlines.
Resources & Support
For further inquiries, you can contact Intellectual Property Ontario at info@ip-ontario.ca
Riahi Patents can assist you in navigating the IPON program and provide additional IP services to ensure your business maximizes its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When can I apply next?
IPON accepts applications on ongoing basis. You’ll be notified when funding is available once approved as a client.
2. What does IPON funding cover?
It covers costs for IP protection and commercialization services provided by licensed IP lawyers or agents in Ontario.
3. I already have a service provider. Can I use them for IPON funding?
Yes, but IPON must approve your service provider first. You can also choose from IPON’s list of providers.
4. Can I apply to IPON if I’ve received support from another IP program, like ElevateIP?
Yes, as long as your business meets IPON’s eligibility requirements. However, we cannot use funding from multiple programs like IPON, ElevateIP to execute the same project.
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