The Canadian government has committed to investing $85.3 million over five years in a comprehensive intellectual property (IP) strategy that includes free IP education and advice for businesses and innovators; IP initiatives; and changes in patent, trademark, and other legislation. The IP initiatives include $30 million in funding for small and medium-sized businesses to leverage their IP, as well as access to IP held by government for businesses to license and commercialize.

The government has recognized the critical importance of IP for the growth and success of Canadian businesses, their competitiveness in the global economy, as well as in building a strong local economy. A stated goal of its IP strategy is to help Canadians better understand, protect, and commercialize IP.

Read more about the initiative here.