Annual MaRS IP Lecture
Arshia Tabrizi gave his annual lecture on How to Protect and Commercialize Intellectual Property (IP) at the MaRS Discovery District on February 3, 2010. Intellectual property (IP) is the lifeblood of every knowledge-based start-up or venture. Whether your new venture is in enterprise software, mobile technology, Web 2.0, green IT, semiconductors, nanotechnology or clean tech, a large part of your competitive advantage will depend on your ability to protect and properly exploit or commercialize your product or service innovations. This could take the form of a unique software product, a new online brand and user experience, or a patentable invention. IP law provides the framework for protecting and commercializing these innovations. We must not lose sight however that IP is first and foremost a business tool; in other words, a successful IP strategy should always align with your overall business plan and objectives. This seminar covered the basics of IP law but also helped attendees approach IP in a strategic way and examine how it fits with their overall business model. Arshia used some real-world examples, particularly in the IT/Web 2.0 space, where IP issues arise and discussed how to address them effectively.