IP Strategy – Mentorship
In this stream, you’ll have the opportunity to get up to 8 hours of 1:1, dedicated mentorship on your IP strategy, through a business lens and perspective.
You’ll work with a mentor at a partner organization in the program. This is a great option if you are not quite ready to approach a legal service provider or still need to work on how IP fits into your overall business strategy.
Please note: advisors are business mentors who have completed IP training, however, mentors do not provide legal advice.
Eligibility
All startups that meet basic eligibility requirements are eligible to register or apply.
Eligible activities include (but are not limited to):
- Reviewing commercialization strategy needs
- Assessing an IP strategy within your business’ context
- Helping you hire or work with a legal service provider
- Preparing for your meeting with a legal service provider
How to apply
To apply, you’ll need to register on the application portal, answer some IP assessment questions, and let us know if you’re already working with a mentor or accelerator organization.
If you don’t already have a mentor, we’ll generally pair you with one that is either in your region or that can offer the best expertise for your specific tech sector. All mentors must be associated with the AccelerateIP program.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Stream 2 FAQ
Can I choose my mentor?
You will be paired with a mentor at a partner organization. If you’re already working with a mentor at one of the organizations connected to the program, you can request to stay with that mentor.
My lawyer is going to charge me for a quote, will the program cover that?
We do not cover costs for quotes – most lawyers will provide a basic quote free of charge.
How do I find a legal service provider?
We have a list of lawyers registered with the program. You can either apply with your current lawyer and have them submit to be registered, or you can choose from a list available in the program portal.
I want to apply for a service not listed as eligible, what do I do?
You may apply under “other services” when submitting your application, however, it may not be approved.
My application wasn’t successful. Can I reapply?
If your application was unsuccessful, we will give you guidance for next steps. That may include completing more education or strategy work prior to reapplying for the same stream.
I already paid a lawyer for strategy support, can I apply for this program retroactively?
The program is unable to reimburse startups for services paid. You may apply retroactively only for unpaid services, back to April 1, 2023.
Can I apply to Stream 2-2 Strategy and Stream 3 more than once?
Yes, you may re-apply if you haven’t reached the funding limits for each stream and have new services you’d like to apply for or if your services will take longer than the suggested time frames to complete.
I already have an existing external IP mentor. Can I apply to Stream 2: Mentorship program with my mentor?
Yes, you can, so long as they are eligible and working at a partner or collaborator organization associated with the program.
Do you accept retroactive applications for Stream 2 & 3?
We do, if the invoices have not yet been paid. We cannot reimburse startups for invoices, the program can only pay service providers directly.
For any other questions you might have about the program contact us at: accelerateip@newventuresbc.com
