OTTAWA – The Feds have launched a new pilot program designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) with their patent and other IP needs.
Part of the five-year Intellectual Property Strategy, the Patent Collective pilot project is open to Canadian entities that can gather a team with experience in delivering high-quality patent advice. The chosen applicant will receive $30 million in funding over four years to create a non-profit organization that will work with companies in a selected sector to help them use their IP more strategically.
In addition to providing the Government with insight into the IP issues faced by SMEs, the new collective will help to shape how the program will support member businesses, customize services to suit clients’ needs, and identify how best to support the strategic use of IP in scaling companies.
“Intellectual property is at the core of innovative businesses. For Canada’s economy to succeed, we need to ensure that companies of all sizes have the tools to grow, expand and become competitive global players”, said Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains, in the announcement. “With this new patent initiative, we are providing small and medium-sized enterprises with the IP support they can use to build their business, boost economic growth and compete and win on the world stage.”
More information is available here.
