Access IP support

Overview of the Access IP support program:

Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) delivers a comprehensive suite of IP services designed to help businesses in Ontario leverage intellectual property to scale competitively in global markets. The program offers two levels of support. Tier 1 provides foundational IP education, benchmarking, coaching, client Q&A sessions, and access to IP-related events and workshops. Tier 2 expands on these services and includes IP funding of up to $100,000 per year, with a lifetime cap of $300,000, and an additional $25,000 per year for equity-deserving groups. IPON aims to improve IP readiness and commercialization potential by covering up to 80% of eligible costs for forward-looking work, while the client contributes at least 20% plus applicable taxes. IPON-funded services must be delivered by licensed Ontario IP lawyers or registered patent agents. The program emphasizes helping Ontario-based companies better understand, protect, and monetize their IP assets to drive economic and social benefits for the province.

Benefits of the Access IP support program:

• Access to tailored IP education, benchmarking, and coaching.
• Comprehensive analysis of IP readiness and strategies.
• Funding of up to $100,000 per year for eligible IP commercialization activities.
• Additional $25,000 support for applicants from equity-deserving groups.
• Participation in networking events, workshops, and mentorship sessions.
• IPON covers up to 80% of eligible IP costs, helping businesses leverage their IP more effectively.
• Guidance from licensed IP lawyers and patent agents.
• Enhanced competitiveness in global markets through strengthened IP portfolios.

Eligibility criteria of the Access IP support program:

• Applicants must:
• Be Ontario-based SMEs with fewer than 500 employees (FTEs).
• Be managed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Own or exclusively license IP with the intention to commercialize or monetize it in Ontario.
• Demonstrate that their business will bring social or economic benefits to Ontario.
• Operate in one or more of the following sectors: health technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, mining technology, agriculture and food technology, or clean economy technology (advanced manufacturing applies if tied to these sectors).
• Have their headquarters and main business operations in Ontario, including executive leadership and key management functions.
• Be a Canadian-controlled entity (meeting specific ownership thresholds for private or public companies).
• Demonstrate financial capacity to commercialize IP with IPONs assistance.
• Subsidiaries or affiliates must operate independently, have Ontario-based leadership, file taxes separately, and own and manage their IP.