How can a software company effectively apply IP to their business? We interviewed Allisha Clemetson, CFO of DesignTime in Prince George, on how their company built and implemented an IP strategy with the AccelerateIP program.
Your elevator pitch: What problem is Design Time trying to solve as a startup?
DesignTime Solutions is commercializing Stackd, a cloud-based enterprise resource planning platform purpose-built for engineering firms in Canada.
Most firms in this sector rely on disconnected tools for project management, time tracking, invoicing, and compliance documentation. This fragmentation creates inefficiencies, increases administrative burden, and makes it difficult to maintain consistent records needed to meet regulatory obligations.
Stackd brings project management, time tracking, invoicing, and compliance workflows into a single integrated platform designed around the way engineering firms operate. By aligning operational processes with professional practice and regulatory requirements, Stackd helps firms improve efficiency, maintain accurate records, and operate with greater confidence and accountability.
How does IP play a role in the software industry?
In the software industry, intellectual property is fundamental to protecting innovation and establishing long-term competitive advantage. Unlike physical products, software can be relatively easy to replicate if appropriate protections are not in place.
IP helps safeguard the proprietary systems, workflows, and technical architecture that make a platform unique. It also strengthens a company’s position with clients, partners, and investors by demonstrating that the technology has been developed with intention and protected accordingly.
For DesignTime, IP protection is not only about securing our codebase, but also about protecting the unique workflows, system architecture, and operational methodologies embedded within Stackd.
How did the AccelerateIP program help your startup?
The AccelerateIP program provided invaluable education and structure around intellectual property strategy. It helped us better understand the different forms of IP protection available and how they apply specifically to software companies.
Through the program, we were able to assess our current IP position, identify opportunities to strengthen protection, and begin developing a long-term IP strategy aligned with our commercialization goals.
Equally important, the program connected us with experienced advisors who helped translate IP concepts into practical, actionable steps. This gave us greater confidence in making informed decisions as we scale and bring Stackd to market.
What goals has your company achieved since being in the program?
Since participating in AccelerateIP, we have reached meaningful milestones in formalizing our IP strategy and strengthening our commercialization readiness. A key achievement has been successfully onboarding beta clients to our Stackd platform with IP protections and ownership structures already in place, ensuring our intellectual property is properly safeguarded as we enter early market adoption.
We have continued advancing the Stackd platform by refining system architecture, strengthening technical infrastructure, and preparing for broader commercialization. The program has helped ensure that as we scale, we are doing so with a clear understanding of how to protect, manage, and leverage our intellectual property strategically.
AccelerateIP has positioned us to grow with a stronger foundation, both technically and strategically.
Any words of advice for other founders on their IP journey?
Our biggest advice is to start thinking about IP early, even if you don’t yet have all the answers. IP strategy is not something that should be addressed only after a product is complete, it should evolve alongside development.
Programs like AccelerateIP are incredibly valuable because they help founders understand what they have, what they need to protect, and how to approach IP in a practical way. Having the right guidance early can prevent costly mistakes later and gives founders greater confidence as they grow.
Anything we’ve missed that you’d like to share?
AccelerateIP helped demystify intellectual property and made it more approachable for a technical startup team. It gave us clarity on how IP fits into our broader business strategy and reinforced the importance of protecting innovation as we scale.
We’re grateful for the support and guidance provided through the program and look forward to continuing to build and commercialize Stackd with a strong IP foundation.
