Skip to main content

Stream 3: IP Implementation

Implementation: Support with costs from Legal Service Providers

Have a strong IP strategy in place? Ready to apply for a patent or trademark? This is the right stream for you. You can apply to have up to $60,000 of the costs of working with a legal service provider covered.

Co-investment is 25% or 10% for startups that are majority Indigenous-owned. The final approval will be based on the quote provided.

Eligibility

  • Startups must meet program eligibility requirements
  • Must be incorporated
  • Must have a strong IP strategy in place
  • Must demonstrate IP knowledge by fulfilling one of the following: 
    • Proof of completion of the IP Certification Program Level 1, Level 2, or equivalent training* 
    • Proof of completion Level 2 of IP Assist 
    • Proof of having at least one in house IP expert**

      *Proof of registration is acceptable at the time of the application for the Certification sessions. However, the Award letter won’t be issued until the proof of successful completion is provided.

      **In house IP Expert is a staff member with formal IP qualifications or significant experience in managing IP. Minimum formal qualification is IP Management Training within the last five years. External consultants and advisors do not qualify.

Eligible activities include (but are not limited to):

  • Patent application preparation and filing
  • Patent prosecution
  • Trademark application preparation and filing
  • Trademark prosecution
  • Industrial design application preparation and filing
  • Industrial design prosecution
  • Copyright registration
  • Filing fees
  • Legal contractual drafting ie: commercialization of IP opportunities

How to apply

To apply, you’ll need to register on the application portal, answer some IP assessment questions, and let us know if you’re already working with a mentor or accelerator organization.

You’ll also need to agree to provide a quote from a legal service provider (we don’t expect you to pay for one!).

Note: If we feel your company might not be ready, we may ask you to complete some education or mentorship and reapply.

Applications are currently closed due to demand. We will have two upcoming intakes for applications:

  • Intake 1: Dec. 9, 2024  – Jan 23, 2025 for projects running April 1 – September 30, 2025
  • Intake 2: May 1 – May 29, 2025, for projects running Sept. 1 – Feb. 28, 2026

For the latest program updates, sign-up for our newsletter. Please note all dates may be subject to change.

VIEW PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Stream 3 FAQ

Can my mentor help me with an active IP dispute (litigation)?

No, litigation is not an approved activity for the program.

Does the co-investment have to come from my company? Can it come from another program?

Co-investment must be paid by the startup. We can look at co-investment being paid by another organization on a case-by-case basis – please contact us.

Can I file a patent in the US or internationally or does it have to be only in Canada?

You can apply to have a patent filed internationally or in the US. We prefer that you work with a Canadian lawyer for these filings. US lawyers may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Will the program take an equity in my company or take any ownership of my IP?

No, the program will not take equity or ownership of your IP.

Does my lawyer have to be in the regions of AccelerateIP (BC, Yukon, NWT, Nunavut?)

Your lawyer or legal service provider must be based in Canada and their law firm or patent agency must be currently registered with the program. OR, your legal service provider must apply and be accepted to register with the program. We may accept US service providers on a case by case basis only.

My application wasn’t successful. Can I reapply?

Yes, you might be able to re-apply if your startup is eligible, and you follow the next steps provided by the program and re-apply showing that you demonstrate the gaps outlined in your application.

I already paid a lawyer for implementation support, can I apply for this program retroactively?

No, the program can not reimburse startups for fees already paid to legal service providers. If your invoices are unpaid, you may apply for services from April 1, 2023 onward.

My patent filing may take awhile. Is there a timeframe in which it has to complete to be a part of this program?

We ask that all activities be completed within a six month timeframe to avoid holding funds. If you cannot complete all activities within that period, we invite you to split your application and re-apply.

Are non profit organizations eligible?

Yes, so long as they meet the general eligibility requirements.

Can I apply to Stream 2 and 3 with an activity that is not listed within the Eligible Activities?

You can, but it might not be approved.

Do you accept retroactive applications for Stream 2 & 3?

We do, if the invoices have not yet been paid. We cannot reimburse startups for invoices, the program can only pay service providers directly.

For any other questions you might have about the program contact us at: accelerateip@newventuresbc.com

Close Menu