Please note this program is open to IPIC members only. For information on becoming an IPIC member, click here.
If you are a small or medium business owner interested in learning more about IP Assist, please visit the NRC-IRAP webpage to see if you are eligible for funding.
IP Assist: Introduction to Intellectual Property (IP) for Innovative SMEs
IPIC, in collaboration with the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), assists small and medium business owners (SMEs) in gaining a comprehensive understanding of intellectual property (IP) and its potential to support their business objectives.
The IP Assist program is designed to cater to unrepresented SMEs under IRAP, offering them access to IP experts who can guide them in enhancing their IP awareness (Level 1), formulating an effective IP strategy (Level 2), and implementing the necessary IP actions outlined in their strategies (Level 3). To facilitate this process, IP Assist collaborates with IPIC to connect SMEs with industry-specific IP experts from IPIC's membership.
Expertise in two of the following industries is required to participate in this program:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Aerospace
- Agri-Food
- Biomedical
- Bioproducts
- Clean Tech
- Construction
- ICT
- Mining
- Branding Strategy
Level 1, Awareness
At Level 1, IP Assist provides SMEs with access to IP experts who can help increase their IP awareness. Through tailored one-to-one sessions, the IP professional offers industry-specific information and guidance to the SME. This engagement allows the IP professional to connect with and support innovative Canadian SMEs in achieving their business goals. On average, these engagements last for approximately 3 hours, including an IP awareness presentation and Q&A session.
Level 2, Strategy
At Level 2, IRAP funds the SME's IP strategy if they choose and are approved to proceed with the program. Level 2 engagement provides access to IP experts who can assist in developing a comprehensive IP strategy that aligns with the firm's business objectives. Through IP Assist, SMEs gain valuable insights and answers to important questions related to their technology, business, and IP.
Level 3, Action
IPIC is currently unable to support Level 3 engagement.
Please encourage your clients to contact their Industrial Technology Advisor at NRC to continue the IP Assist program.
Please note this program is open to IPIC members only. For information on becoming an IPIC member, click here.
For any inquiries, please contact ipassist@ipic.ca.