IP Assist

IP Assist: Supporting Intellectual Property for Canadian Businesses

Intellectual property (IP) is a key asset for driving innovation and competitive advantage. To help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) protect and manage their IP effectively, the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) offers IP Assist. This service provides businesses with expert guidance on developing IP strategies that align with their innovation goals and long-term business objectives.

What IP Assist Offers:

The primary objectives of IP Assist are to enhance SMEs’ understanding of intellectual property (IP) through three key levels of support: increasing awareness (Level 1), developing a comprehensive IP strategy (Level 2), and implementing that strategy effectively (Level 3).

• Level 1: Awareness
  This level connects your business with a network of advisors, resources, and partner organizations, enabling you to deepen your knowledge of IP best practices and understand how to effectively leverage and protect your innovations.

• Level 2: Strategy
  At this stage, you gain access to IP experts who will assist you in formulating an IP strategy aligned with your business objectives. They will help you prioritize your IP actions and provide critical insights into your technology, competitive landscape, and the broader IP environment.

• Level 3: Action
  This final level offers funding to support your business in executing the prioritized actions outlined in your IP strategy, ensuring that your plans translate into tangible outcomes.