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By Ryan Remati-Paquette
December 8, 2025

What IP for Business Can Fund: Eligible Activities and Expenses

The IP for Business program is an initiative designed to support Canadian businesses in managing and commercializing their intellectual property (IP) effectively. By providing access to crucial tools and resources, this program helps organizations leverage their IP assets to drive growth and innovation.

Overview of IP for Business Funding

Managed by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, the IP for Business program offers a variety of support to businesses looking to enhance their IP strategies. This includes intellectual property training, tools, and expertise aimed at helping businesses navigate the complexities of IP management. For complete funding details, consult the complete program guide.

Eligible Expenses

The program covers a range of expenses that are integral to developing and implementing a robust IP strategy. Eligible expenses include:

  • IP Strategy Development: Costs associated with creating an IP strategy, including consulting fees and strategic planning activities.

  • Training and Workshops: Expenses for attending IP training sessions and workshops designed to enhance knowledge and skills.

  • Patent and Trademark Applications: Fees related to filing and securing patents and trademarks in Canada and internationally.

  • IP Audits and Assessments: Costs for conducting IP audits to identify and evaluate existing IP assets.

  • Legal Fees: Expenses for legal advice and services related to IP protection and litigation readiness.

For a more detailed list of eligible expenses, refer to the complete program guide.

Ineligible Expenses

While the IP for Business program covers a wide array of costs, certain expenses are not eligible for funding. These typically include:

  • General operational costs not directly linked to IP development.

  • Marketing and promotional expenses unrelated to IP commercialization.

  • Routine business expenses such as office supplies and rent.

Funding Amounts and Rates

The program offers financial support up to a certain percentage of eligible expenses, ensuring that businesses can access the resources they need to protect and manage their IP effectively. For current funding rates and calculations, visit the complete program guide.

Examples of Funded Projects

Businesses across various sectors have successfully utilized the IP for Business program to advance their IP initiatives. Examples include:

  • A technology firm securing patents for a new software algorithm.

  • A manufacturing company developing a comprehensive IP strategy to protect new product designs.

  • An agricultural business obtaining trademarks for branding innovations.

These examples illustrate the program's potential to support diverse IP needs. To explore more case studies, see the complete program guide.

Conclusion

The IP for Business program is a valuable resource for Canadian businesses aiming to enhance their intellectual property strategies. By covering key expenses related to IP development and protection, the program equips organizations to maximize the potential of their IP assets. For detailed eligibility requirements, application processes, and funding specifics, we strongly recommend consulting the complete program guide.

About the author

Ryan Remati-Paquette - Canadian grants specialist

Ryan Remati-Paquette

Canadian grants specialist
Working at helloDarwin for some time now, I'm in charge of providing you with the information you need on government aid. Dedicated to helping companies in Quebec and Canada reach their full potential, I write on the helloDarwin blog about the various programs, allowances and funding available to enable organizations to make their digital transformation through access to federal and provincial support.

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