KITCHENER, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Communitech, Invest Ottawa and North Forge are hosting a virtual event today, Nov. 23, to launch a federal initiative in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan that helps startups protect and leverage their intellectual property.

ElevateIP provides startups with three tiers of support: understanding IP, designing an IP strategy for your specific business, and implementing that strategy.

Services include education offerings and awareness resources; strategy development, including patent mining, prior art searches, trademark searches, agreement review, and more; and strategy implementation, such as patent drafting/filing/prosecution, trademark registration, licensing agreement creation, open-source audits, and more.

ElevateIP is a nationwide initiative funded through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. It was announced in the 2021 federal budget, which included a commitment for $90 million over four years, starting in 2022-2023. Communitech was one of five regional organizations across Canada chosen to deliver the programming. It was awarded $38 million in federal funding and is working with Invest Ottawa, North Forge Technology Exchange and other partners to design and deliver ElevateIP programming in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Research shows that businesses that manage their IP strategically are more likely to grow domestically and internationally – and grow at a higher rate. Smart, strategic IP management is a key ingredient for a startup’s early growth and competitiveness. Protecting IP can help attract investors, fend off competitors and expand into new markets.

Quotes:

ISED:
“A key aspect of maximizing the impact of innovation is the effective leveraging and protection of intellectual property. This is why our Government is collaborating with Communitech. Through this partnership, Communitech will be able to design and deliver ElevateIP programming in Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which will help regional start-ups maximize the potential of their intellectual property to fuel growth, both domestically and internationally.”
-The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

North Forge Technology Exchange:
“The substantial funding for intellectual property will be a catalyst for Prairie startups by removing financial barriers associated with pursuing innovative ideas. With the ability to safeguard intellectual property and manage risks more effectively, this initiative holds the potential to ignite a substantial surge in entrepreneurial activity, in turn bolstering the economy.”
– Joelle Foster, President and CEO of North Forge Technology Exchange

Communitech:
“Finding ways to better manage and leverage intellectual property helps Canadian companies become more competitive, which fuels prosperity for the entire country. Communitech is grateful to the federal government and to François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, for providing the resources through ElevateIP to help startups make the most of their IP assets and retain the benefits of Canadian innovation in Canada.”
– Chris Albinson, CEO and President of Communitech

Invest Ottawa:
“In a dynamic global economy where tech firms are vying for market share, IP is fuel for innovation, competitive advantage, and long-term growth. When leveraged fully, it can open doors to new markets, revenue streams, and capital. Invest Ottawa looks forward to collaborating with our partners to help companies put these valuable IP resources to work. Together, we will help firms in Canada’s Capital and across the country implement IP strategies that drive long-term value creation, competitive advantage, and global market leadership.”
– Sonya Shorey, Interim President and CEO, Invest Ottawa