Tools
A complete toolkit to meet your IP needs
So you have a smart idea. Now what? Understanding how to protect and maximise your intangible asset can be harder than finding the inspiration in the first place. Let us help. We have put together toolkits, tip sheets and practical advice to help you understand and take the next steps towards turning that smart idea into a commercial innovation – for both domestic and global markets.
And, if you need help along the way, don't hesitate to get in touch with your Gowling WLG trusted IP adviser. Your smart idea is safe with us.
Tools for brand owners
Leveraging AI to protect your brand online
Protecting your business against copycats, counterfeit products and online brand infringement is essential, as it harms both your reputation and your revenue. We have created Saturn – a new online brand protection subscription service – to help you protect your brand with the assistance of our experienced brands lawyers. Learn more or request a demo.
Access our guide on online brand protection
Tool for patent owners
Protect innovations across borders in Europe with the Unitary Patent (UP)
Since June 2023, the Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court (UPC) have allowed patent proprietors to benefit from uniform protection across all participating EU member states while also providing a litigation system enabling pan-European injunctions and damages awards.
To help patent owners and inventors make informed and strategic decisions with regard to patent protection in Europe, we have developed the UPCalculatorTM. With this free interactive tool, users can easily and intuitively visualize the potential cost-effectiveness provided by a Unitary Patent when compared to traditional national patent validations. The tool facilitates comparisons based on the selected countries in which protection is desired, and considers factors such as specification length while also allowing users to forecast different cost scenarios based on selective abandonment of national validations before expiry of the patent term.
If you have questions about the UPC, the UP or need help with your patent (litigation) strategy, reach out to our team.
Tools for established Canadian businesses and scale-ups
Understand the patent process with our Patent Toolkit
It is vital for businesses of any size to develop a patent plan that will maximize and protect their innovations. To help, we've created a step-by-step guide to the patent process. This resource will help get you started, answer some of the questions our IP professionals are commonly asked, and give you the information you need to ensure that the first meeting with your patent professional can be efficient and productive.
Learn the essentials of trademarks with our Trademark Toolkit
Trademark law is a critical component of any brand development endeavor. We have developed a step-by-step trademark guide to help those looking to protect their trademarks in Canada understand brand development and protection through the lens of trademark law. From learning what a trademark is and why it's valuable to the due diligence you should conduct, download our toolkit to help you prepare your trademark application.
From idea to investment: IP best practices for raising capital
Canadian SMEs with a formal IP plan are more likely to experience high growth, expand into new markets, and receive various types of financing than those that don't. Check out our tips on understanding the value of your ideas, how to manage them and how to enforce your IP rights. We've also provided a quick look-up guide to the grants, tax incentives and funding programs available to growing companies across Canada
IP legal services
Find out more about our full suite of legal services to protect and maximise your IP.
See our IP services