IPON’s IP Toolkit

Want to better understand intellectual property (IP) and how it fits into your innovation journey? ​

This free resource by Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) is designed to help innovators, researchers, founders and startup teams understand and manage their IP at every stage—from protecting your ideas to budgeting and ownership strategies. ​

Whether you're just getting started or scaling up, this Toolkit gives you: ​

• Clear, easy-to-follow guides​

• Templates, checklists and tools​

• Curated links to expert resources

Some advanced tools are only available to IPON clients. Apply today for full access.

Section 1: GET STARTED​

Section 2: IP STRATEGY​

Section 3: IP PROTECTION​

Section 4: IP BUDGETING​

Section 5: CONFIDENTIALITY​

Section 6: OWNERSHIP​​

Section 7: COMMERCIALIZATION / USAGE​

Section 8: ENFORCEMENT / DISPUTES

Acknowledgements

This resource was developed by Norton Rose Fulbright for IPON in collaboration with MaRS Discovery District.

IPON gratefully acknowledges the Ontario colleges, universities and Regional Innovation Centres whose insights and feedback helped shape this IP Toolkit: Algoma University; Algonquin College; Carleton University; Collège La Cité; Conestoga College; George Brown College; Georgian College; Innovation Factory; Innovation Initiatives Ontario North; Invest Ottawa; Lambton College; Laurentian University; MaRS Discovery District; Niagara College; Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre; Queen’s University; University of Guelph; University of Ottawa; University of Waterloo; ventureLAB; WEtech Alliance.

Disclaimer: This intellectual property (IP) Toolkit is released for those needing practical information and tools to integrate IP and IP strategy into their business.

Users of this IP Toolkit are strongly encouraged to seek professional advice before making any business or IP strategy decisions based on the information in this Toolkit.

IPON makes every effort to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee or make any warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or utility of the information in this IP Toolkit. Users should consult with a professional to assess the information’s fitness for a user’s particular purpose and notes that resources may need to be modified by a professional to best suit the user’s context and purpose.

IPON assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of this IP Toolkit and further disclaims any liability, of any nature, for any loss caused in connection with using this IP Toolkit.

IPON may make changes to this IP Toolkit at any time without notice.