Most Science and IT businesses start with a unique idea or method of solving a problem.  It is these ideas that set a business apart from competitors and are the basis for the value of the business.  These unique ideas and methods are referred to as  Intellectual Property (IP) and they should be protected.  This is not an easy task, but we can help you identify and document your IP and develop a plan to protect it.

IP Fundamentals and Strategy

The basic tools for protecting Intellectual Property are Patents, Trademarks and Copyright.  Familiarize yourself with these tools using the resources below and you will be in a better position to identify your unique needs. 

Once you are familiar with the fundamentals of IP Protection, you can start to develop a strategy for your organization.  Typically this will start by listing all of the products and services your organization delivers, then matching them with the most appropriate method of protection - trademark, patent or copyright.  

To learn more about IP Protection, see the resources below and if you need help protecting your IP, give us a call to set up an appointment.

Other Resources

	For the latestest news on Intellectual Property issues in Canada, visit the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.  On this site you will also find a searchable Canadian Patents Database.
	For the latestest news on Intellectual Property issues the United States, visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
	For more information on the fundamentals of Intellectual Property and developing a strategy, visit the IP Fundamentals and IP Strategy sections on the MaRS site.

 Presentations from SSMIC's Intellectual Property Secrets to Success Workshop:

• Competitive Advantage Through Innovation and Invention - James Conley, Kellog School of Management, Chicago; Schulich School of Business, York University
• Moving Forward with IP - Gary Svoboda, Adventus Research
• Valuation and Pricing of Technology-Based Intellectual Property - Michael M. Avedesian, McGill University
• A Small Consulting Company’s Journey Into Research, Development and Commercialization - Joe Meating, BioForest Technologies Inc.
• Managing and Exploiting Your Software IP - Ebad Rahman, Bereskin & Parr Intellectual Property Law Firm
• IP Portfolio Management and Exploitation: IBM’s Program - Peter Wang - IBM Canada
• The Basics of Intellectual Property - Mala Joshi, Representative of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

To learn more about protecting your Intellectual Property, set up an appointment with us today.