Why IPON?

Intellectual Property (IP) is an intangible asset that is critical for any business owner or innovator wanting to scale and compete in today’s global market. Without a foundation of an IP strategy and supporting IP rights, efforts in moving innovations to successful and sustainable commercialization remain at risk for others to claim as their own.

The economic reality of IP is best evidenced in the S&P 500 companies, where the collective value of intangibles now accounts for over 91% of the $22 trillion total value. As the world rapidly transitions to a knowledge-based economy, Ontario and Canada as a whole have lagged behind in IP performance: less than 10% of Canada’s business sector comprises of intangible assets, and only a small percentage of firms across Canada in the SME space seek information or guidance on IP each year according to Statistics Canada.

Compared to our entrepreneurial ambition, we are lagging not because great ideas and innovation don’t happen here, but because we need to collectively do more to harness the full value of our IP in parallel with our commercialization efforts. This is why Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) was created: to drive economic growth for companies by leveraging IP which will result in securing more jobs and a more prosperous future for the people of Ontario.

IPON works with innovators, businesses, and researchers at various stages of their IP journey. We provide access to expert IP education, financial supports, and mentorship to help our clients better understand how to: