Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant — Project Stream
At a glance
- Max. $50,000
- Unspecified
- All industries
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office
- Science and Economic Development Canada
- Innovation Canada
- Government of Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria for the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant include the following:
- Indigenous organizations such as recognized representative bodies, Indian Bands/Inuit Settlements, Tribal Councils, and Indigenous Co-operatives are eligible.
- Beneficiary organizations of comprehensive land claims/self-government agreements, Indigenous Cultural Education Centres, and Boards and Commissions are also eligible.
Who is eligible
There are specific types of companies eligible for the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program grant. Eligible companies include:
- Recognized representative Indigenous bodies at the national level
- Indian Bands/Inuit Settlements
- District Councils/Chiefs Councils
- Indigenous Associations/Organizations
- Tribal Councils
- Other Indigenous Communities
- Indigenous Economic Institutions/Organizations/Corporations/Businesses
- Beneficiary organizations of comprehensive land claims and/or self-government agreements with any group of Indigenous people
- Indigenous Cultural Education Centres
- Indigenous Co-operatives
- Boards and Commissions
Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Non-Indigenous organizations
Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:
- Travel costs to WIPO sessions and events related to IP, IK, and ICEs (up to $5000 per person per organization for a single trip)
- Small-scale IP-related initiatives (up to $15,000)
- Projects that are more complex or comprehensive than small-scale initiatives (up to $50,000)
- Activities such as research, policy papers, conference travel, development of educational materials, and more
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects or activities for the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program grant. The grant can fund World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Travel, Small-Scale Initiatives, and Projects related to intellectual property (IP), Indigenous Knowledge (IK), and Indigenous Cultural Expressions (ICEs).
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Travel
- Small-Scale Initiatives
- Projects
Evaluation & selection criteria
Here is a short summary of the evaluation and selection criteria for the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant:
- Evaluation and selection criteria for the grant include factors such as alignment with program objectives, impact of the proposed activities, capacity of the applicant organization, budget justification, and potential for knowledge sharing.
- Criteria also consider the feasibility of the project, clarity of the proposal, relevance to Indigenous intellectual property, and the potential to contribute to the broader goals of the Indigenous IP Program.
Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant Summary
The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant aims to support Indigenous organizations in Canada to engage more with the intellectual property system. The grant provides funding for participation in WIPO sessions, small initiatives, and projects related to intellectual property, Indigenous Knowledge, and Indigenous Cultural Expressions.
Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant Overview
The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) Grant, administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, is a funding initiative designed to promote Indigenous engagement in the intellectual property system. Through the grant, eligible Indigenous organizations can access financial support to participate in World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) events, small-scale IP initiatives, and comprehensive projects focused on Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Indigenous Cultural Expressions (ICEs).
One of the key objectives of the IIPP Grant is to increase Indigenous peoples' participation and representation in discussions on intellectual property and Indigenous rights, both domestically and internationally. By supporting Indigenous organizations in advocating their interests, the grant contributes to a more inclusive and accessible IP system for Indigenous communities in Canada.
The grant funding, which amounts to $150,000 per fiscal year, is distributed across three main streams:
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Travel Stream: This stream provides grants for Indigenous organizations to attend WIPO sessions, particularly the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore. Eligible expenses may include preparation work, travel costs, and related fees, with grants of up to $5,000 per person per organization for a single trip.
- Small-Scale Initiatives: Grants under this stream support short-term, focused IP-related initiatives, such as research projects, policy paper drafting, conference attendance, or educational material development, with funding up to $15,000.
- Projects: This stream funds more comprehensive IP-related projects that require longer timeframes and more resources, encompassing activities like research, tool development, IP strategy planning, and related travel, with grants up to $50,000.
To be eligible for the IIPP Grant, Indigenous organizations must fall into specified categories, including Recognized Indigenous Bodies, Indian Bands, Indigenous Associations, Tribal Councils, and Indigenous Economic Institutions, among others. The full eligibility criteria can be found in the IIPP Grant Program Guide.
While the 2023–2024 grant application period has closed, organizations can refer to the Program Guide for detailed information on eligibility, application process, and assessment criteria. The IIPP Grant supports the Canadian Government's commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous rights recognition, and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Through this grant program, numerous Indigenous organizations have received funding in previous years, contributing to enhanced Indigenous participation in the intellectual property landscape and the protection of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expressions.
For further inquiries about the Indigenous Intellectual Property Program Grant, individuals can contact the program administrators at IndigenousIP-PIAutochtones@ised-isde.gc.ca.
