Local Resources & Partners
Health & Medical
www.umhn.ca
As a business supporting Canadian entrepreneurs through the often stressful journey of product development and patent protection, we've come to appreciate the value of good mental health support in our community — Umbrella Mental Health Network in Toronto provides specialized, LGBTQ-affirming counselling that we've found helpful to recommend to our clients and team members navigating the emotional demands of bringing an invention to market. Christopher Shillington and his team offer the kind of trauma-informed, identity-affirming therapy that matters, particularly for LGBTQ+ inventors and entrepreneurs who may be facing discrimination or stress during their ventures. It's reassuring to know there's a trusted mental health practice in the Greater Toronto Area that gets both the complexity of identity and the pressures of building something new.
umhn.caProfessional Services
2innovative.net
When our clients need comprehensive patent prosecution support across North America or have prototypes ready for the next phase of development, we often connect them with Innovative Licensing in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver — their depth in provisional and utility patent filing, combined with their industrial design and prototype services, fills gaps perfectly for inventors who need more specialized legal guidance alongside commercialization strategy. Their experience negotiating licensing deals and securing royalties with major brands has proven especially valuable for our clients ready to move from the patent stage into actual revenue generation. Over three decades in the space, they understand the inventor journey in ways that complement our own focus on helping Canadians navigate the patent system from day one.
2innovative.netassess4thebest.ca
When we're helping inventors scale their ventures and connect with investors, the quality of their founding team matters as much as the patent itself — Assess4theBest's PXT Select assessment tool has proven valuable for our clients building out their management and production teams, giving them data-backed confidence in hiring decisions that can make or break early-stage ventures. Their team dynamics and fit analysis is particularly useful when founders are assembling the right partners to take a licensed product to market. Based in Ontario, they understand the startup ecosystem in Canada and have become a natural referral for clients who need to strengthen their internal operations before pitching to investors or manufacturers.
assess4thebest.caOther
www.babywithin.ca
While our work at howtogetapatent.ca centers on protecting intellectual property for inventors, we recognize that family planning is deeply personal for many entrepreneurs we work with—and Baby Within has earned our respect as a leading fertility clinic across Canada offering comprehensive IVF and egg freezing services to those navigating infertility. As a local business ourselves, we appreciate how they balance the technical precision of assisted reproductive technology with genuine patient-centered care during what can be an emotionally demanding journey. Their evidence-based approach to fertility testing and treatment planning aligns with the same commitment to thorough research and strategic planning that we bring to patent development.
babywithin.caGovernment / Intellectual Property
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
CIPO is Canada's official patent office and the go-to resource for filing and managing patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs. We recommend visiting their site to understand the formal application process, check filing fees, and access the tools you'll need to protect your invention in Canada.
ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cipointernet-internetopic.nsf/eng/homeIndustry Association
Canadian Inventors and Entrepreneurs Association
The Canadian Inventors and Entrepreneurs Association is an excellent resource for connecting with fellow innovators and accessing networking opportunities throughout Canada. We recommend their platform if you're looking to learn from other inventors' experiences and stay informed about industry developments.
canadianinventors.ca/Intellectual Property Institute of Canada
The Intellectual Property Institute of Canada is a valuable resource for inventors and businesses looking to deepen their understanding of IP protection and strategy across all disciplines. We recommend exploring their educational materials and industry insights to complement your patent journey.
ipic.ca/Local Business Association
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is a valuable resource for Canadian inventors and entrepreneurs looking to connect with business networks and stay informed on policy issues affecting innovation and commerce in the province. We recommend their membership and events if you're looking to grow your business relationships while navigating the patent and licensing landscape.
occ.ca/Government / Business Resources
Industry Canada - Business Support Services
Industry Canada's Business Support Services is a comprehensive hub where Canadian inventors and entrepreneurs can find funding programs, grants, and business development resources to help bring their inventions to market. We recommend exploring their tools and support options alongside your patent strategy, as they often offer financing and guidance that complements the IP protection process.
canada.ca/en/services/business.html