IP Strategy for Startups: From Protection to Scale

Intellectual property (IP) can be one of the most powerful assets a startup builds but relying on a single patent, trademark, or copyright is rarely enough to create a durable and scalable business. At this Founders Lunch, we will explore how startups can develop a thoughtful IP strategy that supports fundraising, market entry, and long-term growth. Through practical insights and real-world examples, our panel will discuss how founders can build and manage an IP portfolio that protects innovation while enabling companies to scale nationally and internationally. What we’ll discuss at Founders Lunch How startups can build a portfolio of complementary IP protections: - Strategy - Timelines - Choosing IP vs. market - Patenting vs. trade secrets or combo of both - How to leverage copyrights (registered vs. inherent, jurisdiction) - Selecting trademark strategy (registered vs. inherent, jurisdiction) Practical insights and real-world examples from our panelists Panelists: Kazim Agha, Patent Agent | Partner, Aird & McBurney Madison Savilow, Director of Marketing, Carbon Upcycling Jordan Smith, Co-Founder & CEO, Quantized Technologies Martin Ciuk, Associate Director, Science & Engineering, Technology Transfer, Innovate Calgary - moderator More speakers will be announced soon