IP refers to a category of legally recognized rights that are granted to individuals or entities for their creations or inventions. These rights are designed to protect and incentivize innovation and creativity. IP are creations of the mind.

For example, IP can refer to inventions, artistic works, symbols, designs, names, images, software, manufacturing processes, and much more. There are several types of IP such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, industrial designs, and informal IP.

Our application process consists of several stages, each with its own timeline:

• Preliminary Application (Approximately 2 Weeks):
  Preliminary applications are reviewed every two weeks by the ElevateIP Alberta team.

• Application Document Review (Approximately 2 Weeks):
  Once all required application documents are submitted, the review process begins and typically takes up to two weeks.

• Participation Agreement Stage (Approximately 2 Weeks):
  After the application documents are approved, it takes about two weeks to finalize the award letter and participation agreement. Once this step is complete, applicants can officially commence their work.

• IP Strategy Stage (Approximately 12 Weeks):
  Applicants are given 12 weeks to collaborate with their service provider to develop and submit their IP strategy. Once submitted, the strategy undergoes review by the ElevateIP Alberta IP Review Team, which generally takes about 3 weeks.

• IP Implementation Stage (Approximately 12 Weeks):
  After the IP strategy is approved, applicants have 12 weeks to work with their service provider to execute the IP implementation activities.

This timeline ensures that each stage is thorough and supports the successful development and protection of your intellectual property.

Once accepted into the program, you may receive funding for two phases:

• IP Strategy Development:
  • ElevateIP Alberta will work with you to determine your IP strategy needs, and can fund up to 100% of approved costs (less taxes) up to $15,000.
  • Access to maximum funding is not guaranteed; it depends on a thorough evaluation of the request and demonstrated need.
  • Must be completed within 90 days

• IP Implementation:
  • Highly competitive phase of the program that requires strong business and IP strategies.
  • Projects must be completed within 90 days of approval.
  • The maximum cumulative funding is $100,000, which can be allocated across multiple projects, each requiring separate approval.
  • Access to maximum funding is not guaranteed; funding of up to $100,000 covers both IP strategy and implementation.

ElevateIP Alberta provides educational opportunities geared toward enhancing IP knowledge within the ecosystem. Online education modules and workshops are offered at no cost and are open to all interested individuals. Please note that ElevateIP Alberta funding is only available to applicants who have been accepted into the program.

ElevateIP Alberta is part of a national program. If you are not based in Alberta and do not meet this requirement, please check with your regional ElevateIP program.

ElevateIP Alberta is unable to fund the following: taxes or costs associated with taxes, litigation costs, ongoing licensing fees, infringement-related costs, costs associated with the repayment of existing debt, the purchase of assets, entertainment expenses, and fines or penalties.

ElevateIP Alberta maintains a curated list of approved vendors to support your IP needs. If you’re working with an IP agent or lawyer, you may invite them to apply to join the ElevateIP Alberta program. While we welcome applications, we cannot guarantee that your service provider will meet our program criteria. We encourage them to connect with us through our contact page for more information.

Please note that all IP strategy services must be delivered by an Alberta-based provider, while IP implementation services may be completed by non-Alberta providers upon approval.

Accessing ElevateIP Alberta funding does not require direct payment from companies. However, there may be indirect costs associated with preparing the necessary application documents, such as hiring a lawyer to verify or create a CAP table.

Additionally, entrepreneurs are responsible for covering applicable taxes and contributing a co-investment amount of 10-35% for IP implementation activities.