Event Recap: IP, AI, & Access to Funding - Stratford Group Ltd.

Experts from diverse tech sectors shared insights on protecting IP, minimizing risks in AI, and unlocking funding to fuel growth at our recent IP panel. The event offered invaluable strategies for navigating the complex intersections of IP and AI, equipping attendees with knowledge to enhance their competitive edge.

On April 18, Stratford Intellectual Property, in collaboration with Welch LLP and Invest Ottawa, hosted an insightful panel discussion at Invest Ottawa addressing critical questions around Intellectual Property (IP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as: Who owns the IP? How do you protect it? How do you minimize risk? And how do you fund it?

Attendees were treated to thought-provoking dialogue and a fruitful discussion from the panel moderated by Stratford Intellectual Property Vice President Myriam Davidson and Welch LLP Partner Joshua Smith. Sitting on the panel to share their expertise were:

• • • Erin Kelly of Advanced Symbolics Inc.
    • Alexandre Labreche of Rain Technologies
    • Matt Lemay of Lemay AI
    • Niek Van Dierdonck of Redlore

Key Highlights and Takeaways:

• • Maximizing Non-Dilutive Capital: Our speakers emphasized the importance of leveraging non-dilutive capital sources such as IP Assist, Elevate IP, IPON, IAC, and SR&ED to fuel development and scale operations. When going into due diligence, you will be judged on not only the state of your company and value of your portfolio – but the decisions you made.
    
    The message was clear: thorough due diligence includes evaluating the decisions made regarding these funding avenues, as they are well-known to investors. If you haven’t leveraged these sources, potential investors will wonder why.
    
    
  • Building a Defensive Moat Around Innovation: The conversation underscored that IP is multifaceted, extending beyond patents to include trade secrets, designs, copyrights, and trademarks. Utilizing a layered approach to IP rights, especially in sectors driven by data and AI, is crucial for protecting assets and maximizing their potential.
    
    For example, patents, can be used not only for protecting the innovation and wooing investors during due diligence, but also support sales & marketing and showcasing the innovative value of a project when going for R&D funding. This strategic layering not only aids in safeguarding innovation but also enhances company valuation during investor interactions and supports marketing efforts.

• • The Critical Link Between Cybersecurity and IP Protection: The interplay between cybersecurity measures and the protection of IP assets was highlighted as a critical concern. Effective cybersecurity is indispensable in safeguarding the technological and creative advantages of a business.

As businesses increasingly rely on technology and data-driven solutions, the need to safeguard IP assets from cyber threats has become more important than ever. Effective cybersecurity measures not only protect the technological and creative advantages of a business but also ensure the integrity and confidentiality of valuable IP assets.

• • Harnessing Partnerships for Accelerated Growth: Establishing strategic partnerships was identified as a key tactic for accelerating business growth and expanding market reach.

Whether its industry leaders, technology providers, educational institutions or complementary businesses, strategic partnerships provide a platform for accelerated growth and sustainable success.

• • Persistence as a Key to Overcoming Business Risks: A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the pivotal role of persistence in navigating and mitigating business risks, aptly described as the business version of "rock/paper/scissors" where persistence beats risk."

The event also featured numerous examples of how non-generative AI is being applied in innovative ways, showcasing the practical impacts of AI on diverse industries.

Looking Forward

The insights garnered from today's discussions have set the stage for our continued commitment to fostering innovation and supporting our community's growth through strategic knowledge exchange and networking. We are already looking ahead to how we can continue these important discussions and help our community stay at the forefront of innovation.

Thank you to our expert panel for an enlightening discussion, to our attendees for their engagement, and to our cohosts for their contributions in making this event a success!

You May Be Interested In:

• With a tailored intellectual property strategy, Swidget and Stratford Group chart a strategic course for growth (Ottawa Business Journal)

• Know the Money Funding Guide (Stratford Intellectual Property)

About Stratford Intellectual Property

Stratford Intellectual Property comprises a team of IP experts, featuring certified patent agents and seasoned professionals experienced in all facets of the IP lifecycle, consistently providing strategic advice and solutions. Whether you have questions regarding IP education, awareness, management or strategy, rest assured that we have you covered. 

Have questions about the event or just want to chat about intellectual property? Let's Talk.