Every Canadian technology company should join National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). They can help you grow your business through advice, connections, and funding. You can get grants to fund your IP portfolio through the IP Assist program.
Take action now
If you are already a member of IRAP then talk to your Industry Technology Advisor about joining IP Assist at the appropriate level.
If your company is Canadian, small or medium sized enterprise (SME), and plans to grow through innovation, then join IRAP. We see no downside or burdensome administrative costs to this wonderful program. Find the phone number below.
If you aren’t a Canadian company do talk to us. We have international clients who hired us to set up their IP programs.
Overview of IP Assist from NRC IRAP
IRAP funds IP services including patent prosecution but more commonly helps SMEs set up an IP program. We recommend all Canadian technology companies consider the program which has three levels of engagement:
- Awareness — Learn about the types of IP and their applicability to your industry
- Strategy — Develop a plan to include IP in your business strategy and operations
- Action — Use the plan to improve your IP position and establish an IP strategy
We at PMP endorse this approach. Indeed, we offer a slightly different program that predates IP Assist. PMP is the only patent agency in British Columbia where principals have extensive and recent experience as IP managers and strategy development. We are proud to support our clients in the following levels; IRAP is the funder, PMP is the service provider, and our clients benefit.
Level 1: Awareness
IP Assist provides education to innovative Canadian firms through experts like Perpetual Motion Patents. The goal is to help you better understand IP rights and what is possible under the law. You also get the right language to discuss IP rights.
We are proud that attendees find these sessions “wonderful”, “useful”, “inspiring” and “an absolute pleasure”. So consider them for your leadership, technical and back office staff, and marketing team. We tailor the sessions for your industry and needs.
Another grant option for clients in British Columbia
Our clients in B.C. have access to a grant for level 1 through Innovate B.C., a provincial government agency, who runs a matchmaker program between innovators and advisors. Also see their other programs which may be of interest to you. Innovate B.C. provides the easiest way to get started in this program.
More educational offerings
While not part of every IP Assist project we also deliver modules like:
- Basic patent — Learn details of the patent system to improve your valuations.
- Advanced patent — Optimize your operations as you build a high value patent portfolio.
- Innovative thinking — Think innovation is just flashes of brilliance that hopefully visit you? We will share the TRIZ and other methods to systematically innovate.
- Copyright / Open-source — Understand how details of licensing underpin and threaten nearly every software company. Attendees learn some gotchas related to open-source free software.
- Trademark – How to use trademarks to protect your brand.
Level 2: IP Strategy
IRAP financially supports developing of an IP strategy. If your organization is ready, they will help define a project whereby you develop an IP strategy with help of an advisor. You pay for the service but get back the highest rebate possible under federal government rules. The return for you is great.
PMP helps build and develop an IP strategy that supports your business goals. As the NRC explains this level helps you answer questions about your:
- Technology
- Priorities
Details of our process
We find the IRAP level too coarse for busy clients so we split the second level into four activities: review, search, plan, and fix. That is, we audit your operations and technology looking for assets to protect. We or a sub-consultant performs needed searches like the landscape to your company or a patentability search for a patent application. These are collectively called search. Based on discussions with you we provide a plan for your IP program. If needed, we address any IP issues that arise or refer you to specialist solicitors.
Level 3: Action
You have awareness and a plan. Organizations at this level take action based on the priorities in their IP strategy. You have the option to involve IRAP to access further funding. But keep in mind the prior participation helps reduce your IP costs.
Involvement of Perpetual Motion Patents
We draft and prosecute patent applications plus manage IP portfolios. Some clients hire us to do all their patent work and others want to collaborate. We are happy doing both. As licensed patent agents this is our specialty. We also have extensive experience in IP management beyond patents. We like collaboration. Indeed, our goal is to make clients more self-sufficient. After all that is our brand, perpetual motion.
Conclusion
- Consider joining IRAP. Call 1-877-994-4727
- Ask for Perpetual Motion Patents as your advisor, or consider PMP to help you run your IP program.
- If you have questions contact us.
