The Ontario government is supporting the province’s innovators in developing, managing and commercializing their intellectual property (IP) with the launch of services at Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON). The new agency, announced in March 2022, will help researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses maximize the value of their IP and strengthen their capacity to grow and compete in the global economy.
IPON is now open for business and will offer services to an initial cohort of clients in the medical technologies, artificial intelligence, and automotive technologies sectors this fall, broadening its services to additional clients in the coming months.
“By providing postsecondary institutions, businesses and innovators with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to harness the value of their IP, our government is helping drive real economic growth for the next generation of Ontarians,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “IPON will support Ontario entrepreneurs in the global market and ensure the economic and commercial benefits of home-grown innovation remain right here in Ontario.”
IPON is Canada’s first provincial agency dedicated to maximizing the benefits of Ontario-made IP. IPON will offer clients on-demand, online educational resources to help them learn more about IP; provide grants to connect them with IP experts and legal counsel to assist them, for example, to file a patent to protect their invention; and advisory services and mentorship opportunities. IPON will also help build the capacity of postsecondary institutions and others in the innovation ecosystem to maximize the value of made-in-Ontario IP.
“The launch of Intellectual Property Ontario is a vital part of our plan to build Ontario by enhancing key sectors and encouraging more Ontario-made products,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Ontario is home to some of the brightest innovators and entrepreneurs, and IPON will help them be more competitive in the global market, while supporting long-term economic growth.”
IPON is also excited to announce the appointment of Peter Cowan as its new CEO. Recently, Peter held senior level positions at the Innovation Asset Collective, assisting Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises in the clean technology sector to better leverage their IP.
“I’m pleased to join IPON and we are ready to welcome our first intake of clients from the innovation and research sector. In today’s competitive global market, IP is critical for moving beyond the ideation stage and getting to the commercialization stage,” said Peter Cowan. “We’re excited to help companies and researchers take full advantage of their valuable IP.”