Intellectual Property - IP Toolkit

The toolkit is based on the top questions that entrepreneurs ask about Intellectual Property (IP) including patents, trade-marks, copyrights and industrial designs. The toolkit provides an information component as well as a "how to" section. There are also tools, a glossary and a bibliography providing more reading resources. In addition, there are links to other IP sites, business portals and related organizations that offer further sources of information and assistance. The toolkit will be enhanced based on client needs, with new tools and resources being developed in the coming years.

Eligibility Criteria

This on-line IP Toolkit is primarily intended for existing and start-up businesses, organizations serving them, as well as clients who have some awareness of intellectual property (IP) concepts and who would like to expand their knowledge and focus on the strategic value of IP.

Summary

Tools

The latest tool is the Trade-marks Database Tutorial which helps clients to understand the importance of trade-marks data and how to search the database.

Trade-marks Database Tutorial

In addition there are free searchable IP databases (Patents, Trade-marks, Copyrights and Industrial Designs) which can provide valuable information on the market, the competition and trends. A professional searcher can be hired to perform a more in-depth search. There are also links to search foreign databases.

Canadian Patents Database
Canadian Trade-marks Database
Canadian Copyrights Database
Canadian Industrial Designs Database

We recommend you consult the Stand out from your competitors publication, as well, as it is a great introduction to IP concepts and strategies.

Ontario Contact(s):
Industry Canada
4th Floor
151 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario  M5C 2W7
Telephone: (416) 973-5000
Fax: (416) 936-0334