We are excited to introduce the Brock University SME IP Support Program, a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises to enhance your intellectual property (IP) capabilities. This program, funded by Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), is designed to support our valued research partners and Brock LINC members in protecting and developing their innovative ideas to maximize the value of the IP to your company.
Partners can receive funding for IP protection and commercialization. The SME IP Support Program offers financial assistance of up to $10,000 per partner for IP-related services. This funding aims to help you maximize the value of your intellectual property, whether it’s protecting a new invention, developing an IP strategy, or exploring ways to commercialize your innovations. For example, partners may use their funding towards IP agreements (non-disclosure agreements, licenses) or contracts with high IP impact (Master Service Agreements, partnership agreements). Partners can choose to use their own service providers or select one recommended by Brock.
- Access up to $10,000 in funding for IP services
- Enhance your company’s IP portfolio
- Receive expert guidance on IP protection and strategy
- Strengthen your partnership with Brock University
- Contribute to Ontario’s thriving innovation ecosystem
To be eligible for this program, your company must:
- Be an Ontario-based SME with fewer than 500 employees
- Operate in Ontario and intend to grow in Ontario
- Currently own, or be creating IP, with commercial potential and intend to commercialize the IP in Ontario
- Have an association with Brock. This can include: a completed or ongoing research partnership; currently developing a research partnership; or be a Brock LINC member.
- Work in an innovative sector. All sectors will be considered and could include IPON’s priority areas (MedTech, life sciences, artificial intelligence, vehicle technology, and mining and advanced manufacturing) or other sectors, such as Ag-tech, cleantech, or areas of Brock expertise.
The funding can be used for different IP-related services, including but not limited to:
- Patent filing and prosecution costs
- Trademark registration
- Copyright protection
- IP landscape analysis
- IP strategy development
- IP valuation and evaluation
- Commercialization planning related to IP
- Contact Bradley McLean, or one of Brock LINC’s team members to discuss your eligibility and project idea
- Complete an intake form that includes a description of the IP, the proposed IP work, and the benefits of the IP work for your company
- Referral to IP professional, or contact with your own IP professional, to create statement of work
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Innovation potential of the IP and the potential commercial impact of IP for the company
- Alignment with IPON priority areas or other innovative sectors
- Potential impact on Ontario’s innovation ecosystem
- Potential for supporting collaborations with Brock
- Upon approval, Brock University will cover up to $10,000 of your IP-related expenses.
- Payment will be made directly to the IP service provider upon submission of an invoice.
- All payments must be completed by March 31, 2025.
- Companies can apply once, subject to available funding.
- A brief report on how the funding was used and the outcomes achieved is required within 3 months of completing the IP work.
- There are no restrictions on how you use the resulting IP, but it should further your business objectives and contribute to Ontario’s innovation ecosystem.
- Brock University will not claim ownership or require royalty payments for the IP supported through this program.
Beyond this funding, Brock LINC and Brock’s Innovation, Commercialization & Partnerships team is committed to supporting your company’s growth. We offer:
- Guidance on further IP development
- Commercialization strategy support
- Opportunities for additional research collaborations
- Information on other funding opportunities
How this program fits into the bigger picture
This initiative is part of Brock University’s broader commitment to fostering industry partnerships and supporting economic development in the Niagara Region and across Ontario. It aligns with IPON’s mission to enhance IP capacity in Ontario’s innovation ecosystem, ultimately contributing to the province’s economic growth and competitiveness.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re interested in applying or have any questions about the program, please contact: Bradley McLean, Associate Director, Innovation, Commercialization & Partnerships
We look forward to supporting your company’s IP journey and strengthening our research partnership.