AccelerateIP: Empowering Startups with Intellectual Property Support
Authors: Yonida Koukio & Karan Menon
Federal grants play a pivotal role in supporting the Canadian startup ecosystem. In our previous blog post, we discussed how ElevateIP, a program courtesy of the Federal Government of Canada, empowers Canadian startups to navigate, safeguard, and monetize their intellectual property (“IP”) assets. Expanding on this groundwork, AccelerateIP, led by New Ventures BC and in collaboration with Innovate BC, utilizes funding from ElevateIP to provide startups in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut with comprehensive assistance in strategizing and implementing their IP strategies. Eligible startups could receive up to $25,000 for developing their IP strategy (Stream 2) and up to $60,000 for implementing the IP strategy (Stream 3).
| Eligible activities include (but are not limited to): | |
| Stream 2: IP Strategy | Stream 3: IP Implementation |
| – IP audits, budget review, competitive analysis, strategy, portfolio valuation – Analysis of IP landscaping – Common contracts and document templates i.e.: employment agreements, contractor agreements, IP assignment or transfer agreements or NDAs – Freedom to operate or infringement searches – Legal contractual analysis, i.e.: commercialization of IP opportunities – Out-licensing strategy development – Patentability analysis – Prior art search – Trademark and branding strategies and clearance searches | – IP registration – Legal contractual drafting, i.e.: commercialization of IP opportunities – Patent applications and registrations – Trademark applications and registrations – Industrial design applications and registration – Filing fees |
Stream 2: IP Strategy
To receive funding of up to $25,000 for IP strategy work under Stream 2, startups must commit to co-investing 25% of the costs related to developing the IP strategy (or 10%, if the startups’ majority is owned by indigenous peoples). In addition to the below listed requirements, startups must obtain a quote from legal service providers that are registered by the program.
To qualify for Stream 2’s IP Strategy, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be based in BC, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut.
- Employ fewer than 500 full-time employees.
- Operate in the tech sector or possess innovative technology.
- Own or have the rights to use the IP in Canada.
- Registered non-profit organizations meeting the above criteria may also apply.
- Must have either (a) completed an educational offering from Stream 1, (b) are an existing client of a Partner or Collaborator, or (c) are deemed eligible via the initial IP assessment on the program platform. Stream 1 includes foundational IP training through online educational modules, in-person and online webinars, and an in-depth IP Certification Program for startups led by IP experts.
Stream 3: IP Implementation
Eligible startups can receive up to $60,000 to cover legal expenses associated with implementing the IP strategy, provided that the associated work is completed by an approved legal service provider. The co-investment requirement remains at 25% (or 10%, as applicable).
To be eligible for Stream 3, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be based in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut.
- Employ fewer than 500 full-time employees.
- Operate within the tech sector or possess innovative technology.
- Own or have the rights to use the IP in Canada.
- Registered non-profit organizations meeting the above criteria may also apply.
- Be incorporated.
- Have completed an educational program from Stream 1 or its equivalent.
- Have a robust IP strategy in place.
- Have completed Stream 2 of AccelerateIP or IP Assist, or equivalent training, or the Stream 1 Startup Certification program, or having an in-house IP expert on staff.
How to Apply
To apply, startups must register on the application portal, answer the IP assessment questions, if applicable, indicate existing engagement with a mentor or accelerator organization, and must agree to provide a quote from a legal service provider.
We are thrilled to announce that Oziel Law has been approved as a legal service provider for AccelerateIP. We are committed to assisting startups in applying for funding and securing their IP. If you are seeking assistance or have any questions regarding the application process, we are here to help! Kindly reach out to info@oziellaw.ca.
