Intellectual property (IP) is a critical asset for Canadian businesses – but legal costs for patents, trademarks or IP strategy can be steep, especially for smaller firms. Fortunately, the federal and Ontario governments offer programs to defray these costs, helping SMEs build stronger IP portfolios, reduce risk, and compete globally.
This quick-read guide compiles the major IP grant, funding, and support programs, outlining eligibility, scope, and strategic value for business leaders who want to turn innovative ideas into a long-term competitive advantage.
Federal IP Grants and Funding - IP Assist
The National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) now includes IP Assist, a tiered service for SMEs that require hands-on IP support. This program provides access to IP experts and funding for eligible firms (CCPCs with typically 2 or more employees and $100,000 or more in revenue). IP Assist works in three levels:
Level 1, Awareness – IP coaching to increase knowledge of IP best practices.
Level 2, Strategy – Expert advice to develop a customized IP strategy aligned with business goals.
Level 3, Execution – Funding to carry out the IP plan. This covers activities such as audits, searches, license work, or other strategic actions.
IP Support for Startups - ElevateIP
For start-ups, ElevateIP is a federal program delivered through regional accelerators and incubators. Like IP Assist, ElevateIP offers education and grant funding in three tiers: IP Education, Strategy Development, and Strategy Implementation.
Start-ups can receive up to $100,000 to build and protect their IP (e.g. patent or trademark filings). Tiers one and two are offered free of charge, whereas tier three – strategy implementation – requires a co-investment of 10-35%.
To qualify for this program, your business must be a CCPC, headquartered in Ontario, Manitoba or Saskatchewan, with fewer than 500 full-time employees. ElevateIP is best suited to tech startups that “use, improve, develop, or aspire to develop innovative proprietary technology intended to transform your industry/sector”.
Grants for International IP - CanExport Programs
The Trade Commissioner Service helps SMEs expand abroad through CanExport grants, some of which explicitly fund IP activities. Two key streams are:
CanExport Innovation – This program will fund up to 75% of eligible expenses for collaborative R&D projects in foreign markets. It explicitly lists “applying for IP protection in international markets” as a fundable activity. This includes foreign IP applications, patent work, trademark filings, and other IP-related activities linked to an international R&D partnership.
CanExport SMEs – Offers up to $50,000 for Canadian SMEs entering new export markets. It reimburses costs like market research, trade missions and also foreign IP applications. For instance, businesses have used it to file trademarks abroad while launching new markets. Note that firms must have $100k to $100M in annual revenue to qualify.
Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) Grants
The Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) offers grant funding for member SMEs to develop IP, especially in data-driven cleantech sectors. The IAC Grant Program holds multiple calls per year, and companies can apply for support of up to $20,000 per grant (full members) or $10,000 (associate members).
The funding can go toward patent drafting, IP due diligence, licensing strategy, or other activities that advance the business’s IP strategy. (IAC also reserves a portion of funds for woman-led ventures, reflecting a focus on diversity.) Access requires IAC membership, but this program is a unique chance for cleantech SMEs to get extra IP funding beyond government agencies.
Ontario’s IP Support – Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)
Ontario offers a dedicated IP fund through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON). IPON helps Ontario-based SMEs and researchers with IP strategy and filings. Eligible Ontario firms (typically startups and SMEs with an IP asset to commercialize) can receive grants to subsidize legal and agent fees. Specifically, IPON will cover up to 80% of approved IP-related costs (the company pays at least 20%).
Funding is substantial, with companies eligible to receive up to $100,000 per year from IPON (with a lifetime cap of $300,000). This support is geared to high-tech sectors (AI, medtech, cleantech, etc.), but IPON can assist any Ontario innovator with a clear IP strategy.
How SMEs Can Maximize the Value of IP Grants and Support
Canadian SMEs should be proactive about leveraging IP funding. Key action steps include:
✅ Verify Eligibility: Most programs require a Canadian-controlled corporation with a registered business number and minimum revenue (often over $100K).
✅ Conduct IP Audit: Identify your core IP (patents, trademarks, copyrights, etc.) and identify any gaps.
✅ Align IP Strategy with Business Strategy: Programs like ElevateIP and IP Assist help SMEs connect IP decisions to revenue models, market entry plans, and long‑term growth.
✅ Apply Promptly: Many programs run limited intakes. Monitor websites and apply as soon as funding is open.
✅ Combine Support: In many cases, SMEs can use multiple supports (e.g. take IPON funds for provincial costs while using IP Assist for strategy) and still claim R&D tax credits separately.
Final Thoughts
Federal Budget 2025 reaffirmed the government’s long‑term support for IP programs, extending funding for ElevateIP, IP Assist, and the Innovation Asset Collective through 2026 and beyond.
These programs offer SMEs structured, accessible, and financially supported pathways to protect and commercialize innovation. By aligning with the right grants, Canadian business owners can dramatically reduce the cost of patents, trademarks and IP advice, transforming IP from an expense into an investment.
This article was written by the NVS Professional Corporation team, your knowledgeable Barrie, Markham and Burlington accountants. The content is intended as a general guide for informational purposes only. For specialist advice tailored to your specific situation, please reach out to our expert team.
