IP Strategy
Tailored for Startups and Small Businesses in Alberta
Your Startup’s Innovation is Already IP—Are You Maximizing It?
From the moment you named your startup, you created intellectual property. Every step—securing a domain, developing a product, incorporating, or filing a patent—builds your IP footprint. But are you protecting and leveraging these assets to drive growth and stay ahead?
Some of the most successful startups treat IP as an asset, not just a legal step. It’s not about paperwork—it’s about strengthening your market position, building investor confidence, and avoiding unnecessary roadblocks.
Take, for instance, a startup working on AI-driven medical diagnostics. Early on, they faced a choice: focus solely on speed to market, or invest in securing their technology with patents, trademarks, and licensing deals. They chose the latter, ensuring that while they were developing their product, they were also building an IP strategy that protected them. Later, when a larger competitor showed interest, their patents gave them the leverage to negotiate from a position of strength—eventually leading to a lucrative partnership rather than a legal battle.
On the other hand, some companies overlook the competitive nature of IP. The Dow vs. Nova Chemicals case is a reminder of how costly infringement can be. Nova was ordered to pay C$645 million for violating Dow’s patent rights. While this battle was between corporate giants, for a startup, an IP dispute could be devastating—leading to expensive legal fights, halted production, or even forced rebranding. Understanding the IP landscape early helps startups make informed moves, rather than reacting to legal challenges later.
But beyond risk, IP is a growth tool. A strong portfolio—whether patents, trademarks, or trade secrets—attracts investors, strengthens credibility, and positions your business for long-term success. It signals that you’re not just innovating—you’re building something defensible and valuable.
So, the real question is:
Is your IP working for your startup’s future?
Let’s make it a competitive advantage.