Intellectual Property for the New Innovator
The IP for New Innovators course is designed for social entrepreneurs seeking to protect their intellectual property (IP) and leverage it to drive innovation and social impact. This comprehensive course covers the fundamentals of IP, including patents, designs, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. You’ll explore the trademark landscape in Canada, learning how to secure, enforce, and maintain your trademarks while understanding the legal distinctions between ™ and ®. Through real-world examples and case studies, you’ll discover how successful social enterprises have managed their IP to thrive. The course also addresses the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups in protecting their IP and explores strategies for fostering inclusive, equitable innovation. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect your IP assets and confidently navigate the legal landscape.
By the end of this course you will be able to
Understand and Apply Intellectual Property (IP) Concepts
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Identify the different types of IP, including patents, designs, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
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Analyze how to protect and leverage IP assets to support business growth and social impact.
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Develop strategies for maintaining and enforcing IP rights to safeguard against infringement.
Navigate Trademark Protection in Canada
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Explain the scope of trademarks, including non-traditional marks like sounds, colors, and smells.
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Understand the trademark registration process through CIPO and the differences between ™ and ® symbols.
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Apply strategies to enforce and maintain trademark rights domestically and internationally.
Manage IP Challenges in Social Innovation
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Assess the unique IP needs and challenges faced by social enterprises.
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Analyze case studies of successful social enterprises that have effectively managed their IP.
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Develop strategies to overcome barriers and enhance competitive positioning through IP protection.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion in IP Management
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Recognize the challenges underrepresented groups face in protecting their IP.
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Develop inclusive strategies to support diverse innovators in securing and managing IP rights.
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Advocate for equitable access to IP resources and legal protections.
Who Will Benefit?
This course is ideal for social entrepreneurs, startup founders, and innovators looking to protect and leverage their intellectual property (IP) to drive social impact and business success. It’s particularly beneficial for those navigating the complexities of trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets in Canada. Social enterprises aiming to build a strong brand identity and protect it from infringement will gain valuable insights. Additionally, the course is well-suited for individuals from underrepresented groups seeking strategies to overcome IP barriers and create more equitable access to innovation. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, this course will provide you with the tools and strategies to safeguard your IP assets and strengthen your market position.
Registration
This course is free until October 1, 2025. Starting in October, the fee will be $150.00.
You can register via Self-Service login, or by visiting or calling the Office of the Registrar at 780-791-4801.