Everything you need to navigate IP and commercialization at BC.
IP Primer — Key Terms to Know
Patent
A legal right granted for an invention — gives the holder exclusive rights to make, use, or sell it for a set period.
Trade Secret
Confidential business information that provides a competitive edge — protected as long as it remains secret.
Tangible research property
Test
Copyright
Automatic protection for original creative works — software, writings, educational content, and artistic works.
License
A legal agreement that lets someone else use your IP under specific terms — how OTTL commercializes most BC inventions.
Downloadable Forms & Guides
Federal Funding — SBIR / STTR
Federal programs that fund commercialization of research. OTTL can help with eligibility and applications.