Your business might include new inventions, original software or apps, new technologies, unique designs or processes, your business name and logo, or other examples of what are known as “intellectual assets” or intellectual property (IP). Often these are things that you can’t actually see or physically hold in your hand, which is why they’re called “intangible assets.” They’re still yours and you need to protect them, just like you would a physical asset. This is especially important as more and more businesses become knowledge rather than product based.
You can protect your IP in Canada by submitting an application for a trademark, a patent, an industrial design, or copyright.
Trademarks
Copyright
Patents
Industrial Designs
Trade Secrets
You want to make sure that you protect yourself and the value of your business assets – tangible or intangible – so think carefully about whether you need to apply for a patent, register a trademark, etc. Just note that there is usually a registration fee involved.