Frequently asked questions on commercialization and intellectual property (IP).
Patentability is determined by several factors, including novelty, non-obviousness, and utility. Our Innovation & Commercialization team at Brock LINC conducts a prior art search and evaluates the commercial potential of your invention. If the invention meets these criteria, we can assist with the patent application process.
Publishing your research before filing a patent application can jeopardize the novelty of your invention and affect your ability to obtain a patent. It is crucial to connect with our Innovation & Commercialization team at Brock LINC before any public disclosure. We can advise on timing and strategies to protect your IP while allowing you to share your findings.
Various types of IP can be protected, including patents (for inventions and processes), copyrights (for original works like software and publications), trademarks (for branding), trade secrets (for confidential business information), and industrial designs (for the appearance of products). Some inventions may involve multiple types of IP, and our office can help you navigate and protect all relevant aspects.
If you have an invention or questions about IP, please contact a member of our Innovation & Commercialization team at BrockLINC. We are here to assist you with every step of the technology transfer process, from invention disclosure to commercialization. Our team can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
- Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) was created by the Government of Ontario to provide Intellectual Property supports and services to help businesses and researchers innovate and grow.
Research partnerships aren’t one-size-fits-all; their structure depends on the specific project and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Projects can vary in duration, ranging from short-term to long-term, and may involve anywhere from a single student to multiple research groups. Funding for collaborative projects can also differ: it might be provided entirely by the partner (for a contract or sponsored research agreement) or be supplemented through co-application to a partnership grant. Partnerships can be formed not only with the private sector, but also the public sector or non-profits.
There are a number of online platforms to disseminate your lab’s research capabilities and engage potential collaborative partners.
- Inpart: a partnering platform to connect the biopharma, scientific, and academic sectors. Brock technologies can be featured, and researchers can directly respond to industry campaigns to initiate collaborations.
- OCIP: the Ontario Collaborative Innovation Platform is a matchmaking program that connect Ontario companies with expert researchers at Ontario’s postsecondary institutions.
- CFI Navigator: an online directory of research facilities in Canadian public research institutions that are open to collaboration.
To promote your lab on any of these platforms, please contact us at the Brock LINC.