Intellectual Property and Commercialization (IP&C)

An invention is a product or process that introduces a new technical solution or a new way of performing a function. It may be entirely new or an improvement on an existing invention.

An inventor is anyone who contributes to the creation of an invention, even in part. A co-inventor has made a meaningful inventive contribution to the invention’s development.

An author is the individual who creates an original work such as a paper, report, software code or artistic output.

A patent is a government-granted intellectual property right that gives the owner exclusive rights to make, use, sell, distribute or import an invention for up to 20 years. Patent protection is territorial and applies only in the country where it is granted.

Patents reward innovation by allowing inventors to benefit from their work while encouraging public disclosure of new technologies. Published patent documents contribute to global knowledge and support further research and development.

To be patentable in Canada, an invention must:

• Be new and not previously disclosed
• Have practical utility
• Be non-obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field

Patentable inventions may include products, processes, machines or compositions of matter. Naturally occurring substances cannot be patented in their natural state, but modified, purified or newly applied forms may be eligible.

Non-patentable subject matter includes:

• Abstract ideas or mathematical concepts without practical application

• Laws of nature or natural phenomena

• Discoveries that cannot be controlled or reproduced 

• Purely aesthetic artistic works

• Transient forms such as signals or energy

• Forms of life including humans, animals and plants, with limited exceptions

• Methods of medical or surgical treatment 

Patent protection begins by filing an application with a national patent office and paying the required fees. Applications may be filed in multiple countries where protection is sought.

The filing date is the date the application is officially submitted. In Canada, patent rights are awarded to the first person to file an application.

Copyright protects original literary, artistic, musical and dramatic works. In Canada, copyright protection is automatic upon creation.

Registration with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office is optional but recommended, as it provides formal evidence of ownership. Copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years after the end of the calendar year of death.

Prior Art includes any information made publicly available before a patent filing date, anywhere in the world and in any language. This includes publications, presentations, online content, public demonstrations and oral disclosures.

Prior Art is used to assess novelty, utility and inventiveness. If an invention is publicly disclosed before filing, even by the inventor, patent protection may no longer be possible.

Commercialization is the process of transforming research outputs into products or services that generate economic value. This may involve industry partnerships, licensing agreements or the creation of a start-up company through an agreement with the university.

A licence allows an individual or organization to use protected intellectual property under defined conditions while ownership remains with the IP holder. Licensing is a common commercialization pathway and can generate revenue while enabling broader adoption of research outcomes.

If your idea addresses a meaningful problem or has potential value, the Volt-Age team can provide guidance. After an initial discussion, researchers are supported in next steps, including completing the Watt’s Your Idea form.

To get started or learn more, book a meeting with the Volt-Age team or email volt-age.ipc@concordia.ca.

Yes. Unpublished research can be protected and then published. Once research is publicly disclosed, protection options may be limited. IP processes should begin before publication.

Public disclosure before filing can eliminate patent eligibility. Researchers are strongly advised to avoid publications, presentations or informal discussions about potentially protectable IP until filing strategies are confirmed.

Once an idea shows patent potential, the Volt-Age team evaluates it through a Prior Art review and assessment of novelty, utility and problem-solving. This process may involve multiple discussions and revisions before the idea is prepared for patent filing.

Ownership depends on the commercialization arrangement. When Volt-Age supports commercialization, rights are typically shared between the inventor and the university. If no agreement is reached, rights may be assigned to the inventor. In all cases, the university retains rights for research and teaching purposes.