If your business is building new technology, your intellectual property can be just as valuable as your product. Many Canadian SMEs know they need patents or trademarks but are unsure where to start or how to pay for expert help. NRC IRAP IP Assist is a federal program designed to close that gap by offering hands-on IP advice and, in some cases, funding to act on it.
NRC IRAP IP Assist is part of the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). It helps innovative Canadian small and medium-sized businesses understand, protect, and use intellectual property to support growth.
The program combines advisory services with optional financial support, depending on your level of readiness. IP Assist is structured in three levels:
Level 1 – Awareness
Builds your understanding of IP basics and best practices. You get access to NRC IRAP advisors, tools, and partner organizations to help you identify IP risks and opportunities.
Level 2 – Strategy
Connects you with IP experts who help develop an IP strategy aligned with your business goals. This can include competitor analysis, freedom-to-operate insights, and IP prioritization.
Level 3 – Action
Provides financial support to help implement approved IP actions, such as drafting patents or trademarks, based on the strategy developed earlier.
Funding amounts are not published and are assessed case by case, based on your approved IP plan and business needs.
To access NRC IRAP IP Assist, your business must meet core NRC IRAP eligibility criteria and work directly with an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA).
Typical eligibility includes:
You cannot apply directly online without an ITA. The process always starts with an NRC IRAP conversation.
The application process is advisor-led, not form-driven. Here is how it usually works.
You begin by contacting NRC IRAP through their regional office. An ITA will assess your innovation, business goals, and IP risks.
Your ITA will recommend whether you start at Awareness, Strategy, or Action. Most companies move through the levels over time rather than all at once.
With advisor and expert input, you define:
If you reach Level 3, NRC IRAP may offer funding support for approved IP activities. You must explain why you need funding and how it fits your IP plan.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter other IP and innovation programs by province and industry in seconds, especially if you want to combine support alongside NRC IRAP.
While exact funding varies, Level 3 (Action) support may cover:
Pure legal disputes or unrelated legal fees are typically not supported. Your ITA will confirm eligible expenses before approval.
Trying to apply without an ITA
There is no standalone application form. All access goes through NRC IRAP advisors.
Jumping straight to patents without a strategy
Filing IP without alignment to business goals can weaken your funding case.
Assuming fixed funding amounts
IP Assist does not publish set dollar caps. Funding depends on scope, risk, and impact.
Waiting until after disclosure
Publicly sharing your innovation before IP planning can limit what protection is possible.
Q: Do I need to be an NRC IRAP client to access IP Assist?
Yes. You work through an NRC IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor, either as an existing client or by becoming one.
Q: What types of intellectual property are supported?
IP Assist commonly supports patents, trademarks, and broader IP strategy work, including competitor analysis.
Q: Does NRC IRAP IP Assist provide funding or only advice?
All levels include advisory support. Funding is available at Level 3 (Action) for approved IP activities.
Q: How much funding can I receive?
There is no published maximum. Funding amounts depend on your IP strategy and approved actions.
Q: Is IP Assist funding taxable?
It is generally treated as government assistance. Confirm tax treatment with your accountant.
NRC IRAP IP Assist works best when it fits into a broader funding plan that supports your growth and commercialization goals. To explore more IP funding options and see what complements NRC IRAP, visit GrantHub and find programs that match your business profile as you scale.
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