Intellectual Property Ontario
ON, Canada
Funding support for Ontario-based SMEs in tech and innovation sectors
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
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- Government of Ontario
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grant_card_status|open
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The IPON program offers conditional funding to Ontario-based SMEs in sectors like health technology, AI, and cleantech, covering up to 80% of eligible costs for activities such as IP surveys and strategy development. The program aims to support the protection and commercialization of IP, leading to societal or economic benefits in Ontario.
grant_single_labels|projects
IPON funding is available for a range of projects and activities focused on intellectual property (IP) protection and commercialization across various industries. Eligible projects must align with the strategic objectives of supporting IP development and promoting commercialization in Ontario.
- Conducting an IP survey to assess current IP assets and opportunities.
- Developing a comprehensive IP strategy to guide protection and commercial efforts.
- Performing competitive analysis to identify strengths and gaps in the IP landscape.
- Registering IP rights, including patents and trademarks.
- Engaging in contractual negotiations for IP commercialization.
- Facilitating IP-related initial disbursements necessary for projects.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for becoming an IPON client is determined by specific requirements related to the company's location, sector, and potential impact.
- The applicant must be an Ontario-based small-and-medium size enterprise (SME) with fewer than 500 employees.
- The company must be operating in one of the following sectors: health technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, mining technology, agriculture and food technology, or cleantech. Advanced manufacturing is included if it relates to any of the aforementioned sectors.
- The enterprise must have a physical address in Ontario for substantive operations and intends to grow its business within Ontario long-term.
- The company must own intellectual property (IP) or IP rights and have an intention to commercialize or monetize these within Canada.
- There must be a demonstrated potential for societal or economic benefit to Ontario through the company's activities.
- The applicant must demonstrate the financial capacity to advance the protection and commercialization of its IP and IP rights that may be supported by IPON Client Services.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To become an IPON client, applicants must be Ontario-based small-and-medium size enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 employees and operate in sectors such as health technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, mining technology, agriculture and food technology, and cleantech. Additionally, advanced manufacturing technology related to these sectors is applicable. The business should have a long-term growth intention in Ontario, own IP or IP rights to be commercialized in Canada, demonstrate potential societal or economic benefits to Ontario, and have the financial capacity to manage and commercialize IP projects with support from IPON. Applicants must be legally constituted in Ontario, have Canadian management involvement, and have a significant operational presence in Ontario. Meeting these criteria allow businesses to apply, but does not guarantee approval.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions are in place to ensure alignment with IPON's strategic objectives.
- Companies that are not based in Ontario.
- Industries not related to health technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, mining technology, agriculture and food technology, cleantech, or advanced manufacturing.
- Companies that do not own IP or IP rights or do not intend to commercialize or monetize IP in Canada.
- Businesses that do not demonstrate potential societal or economic benefit to Ontario.
- Organizations lacking the financial capacity to advance the protection and commercialization of IP.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
IPON funding covers a substantial portion of specific expenses related to intellectual property services and commercialization strategies.
- IP survey and analysis costs.
- Development and implementation of an IP strategy.
- Competitive analysis expenses.
- Intellectual property registration fees.
- Contractual support costs.
- Initial IP-related disbursements, provided they are part of the approved scope of work.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is limited to companies based in Ontario, Canada. Eligibility is focused on supporting businesses with operations and long-term growth plans within this province.
- Companies with a substantive physical address in Ontario, Canada.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the IPON grant:
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your enterprise meets the eligibility criteria including being based in Ontario and operating in the specified sectors.
- Verify that you have the financial capacity and potential to benefit Ontario.
- Step 2: Visit Application Page
- Go to the IPON apply page online for the latest application details.
- Step 3: Prepare Required Information
- Gather necessary documentation and information demonstrating your eligibility and project scope.
- Step 4: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form available on the IPON website.
- Provide all required information, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application through the online form on the IPON website.
- Receive confirmation of submission from IPON once the application is submitted.
- Step 6: Await Review Results
- Wait for IPON to contact you with the results of your application review.
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Here are additional relevant details for IPON applications:
- Applications are ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to follow IPON on social media for updates and resources.
- There is an opportunity for both using your own service providers and selecting from IPON's roster, provided they are licensed Ontario-based IP lawyers or registered IP agents.
- IPON issues funding after receiving an invoice from the client's service provider for completed work, which must align with the previously approved statement of work.
- Legal services are not directly offered by IPON; they provide funding for acquiring IP services through designated providers.
- Potential service providers need to wait for a call for expressions of interest to apply to be on IPON's provider roster.
- The use of IPON funding is limited to 80% of eligible costs related to IP services.
Apply to this program
An Opportunity to Enhance Intellectual Property Commercialization in Ontario
This grant aids Ontario-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the development and commercialization of their intellectual property (IP). Focused on key technological sectors, it aims to boost economic growth and innovation across the province.
Comprehensive Details About IPON's Grant Program and Its Significance
IPON's grant program is strategically designed to bolster the commercialization and protection of intellectual property for Ontario-based SMEs, playing a pivotal role in the economic growth of the province. By fostering innovation in critical sectors such as health technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, and cleantech, IPON seeks to create a supportive ecosystem for new and emerging technologies. It aligns itself with the broader provincial economic objectives by aiding companies that demonstrate potential societal and economic impact through their IP endeavors.
The grant is accessible only to those companies operating primarily within Ontario that intend to expand their business within the province over the long term. By maintaining ownership or rights to commercially viable IP, these companies can leverage the financial support provided by IPON to advance their IP strategies significantly. Eligible SMEs have less than 500 employees and must demonstrate sufficient financial stability to effectively manage and commercialize their IP, ensuring a mutual benefit to both the company and the provincial economy.
A key aspect of the funding includes covering up to 80% of the approved costs associated with IP strategy development, competitive analysis, IP registration, and other related disbursements, enabling businesses to scale their innovations efficiently. However, the funding does not extend to litigation expenses, taxes, or past works, ensuring that current and future endeavors are priority projects aligned with strategic technological advancement.
While IPON does not provide direct legal counsel, it offers a roster of licensed IP service providers within Ontario, allowing companies to benefit from expert assistance tailored to their technological domain. Moreover, those interested in becoming service providers can apply during specific expressions of interest calls, provided they meet the licensing and operational criteria set forth by IPON.
IPON’s commitment to regional economic development is further emphasized through its open-door policy for SMEs that have previously participated in other IP support programs within Ontario, thereby encouraging continual development and cross-program collaboration. The flexibility and structure of the IPON grant ensure that funds are utilized to foster competitive advancements in technology sectors that are integral to the province's economic landscape.
By offering a robust framework for IP development, IPON empowers SMEs to utilize innovation as a competitive edge, ultimately contributing to a sustainable and dynamic economic environment in Ontario. The funding provided by IPON not only supports immediate technological advancements but also positions Ontario as a leading hub for innovation and IP commercialization on a national and international scale.
