Working with IP&C

SickKids’ goal is to maximize the opportunities for successfully developing and commercializing SickKids’ intellectual property. This obligation is the shared responsibility of IP&C and the innovators involved and is guided by the Intellectual Property Policy.

Commercialization activities are key in translating research into patient-saving solutions, but the process of bringing discoveries to market requires a significant investment of time and resources. IP&C guides innovators through the commercialization process using our Innovation Pathway.

Fundamentals of Commercialization Quick Guide

Learn more about commercialization at SickKids in our Quick Guide!

The SickKids Innovation Pathway

IP&C Innovation Pathway Graphic

Navigating the SickKids Innovation Pathway

Opportunity Identification

IP&C Responsibilities
  • Educate Inventor on IP and commercialization
  • Source high-potential opportunities through internal outreach
  • Review invention disclosures and initiate consultations on value and protection

Innovator Responsibilities
  • Recognize IP and submit invention disclosure through the Inventor Portal
  • Specify any collaborators or funding that contributed to the invention
  • Obtain IP&C guidance before any public disclosure

Invention Evaluation

 
IP&C Responsibilities
  • Evaluate market need, competitive landscape, and investor interest to determine commercial potential
  • Define IP types and appropriate strategies for protection
 
Innovator Responsibilities
  • Engage with IP&C to articulate unmet need, competitive advantages, and ongoing activity in the field

Intellectual Property Strategy

 
IP&C Responsibilities
  • Develop and manage comprehensive IP protection strategy
  • Oversee IP filings with patent, copyright, and trademark offices
  • Co-develop milestones and data generation plan with Inventor
 
Innovator Responsibilities
  • Follow confidentiality requirements set by IP&C
  • Help draft IP applications and complete office actions as needed
  • Disclose of any updates or changes in IP
  • Support milestone and data generation planning

Development, Funding, Partnerships

 
IP&C Responsibilities
  • Identify potential investors and funding opportunities
  • Build partnerships to support development activities
  • Monitor development progress
 
Innovator Responsibilities
  • Prepare funding applications
  • Contribute actively to partnership and strategy discussions
  • Refine development plans and provide regular updates on development progress

Licensing & Start-Ups

 
IP&C Responsibilities
  • Solicit interest from investors and potential licensees
  • Identify and secure partners best positioned to bring the invention to market
  • Negotiate terms for licensing agreements or start-up creation
 
Innovator Responsibilities
  • Deliver on agreed milestones
  • Co-develop pitches with both science and business elements
  • Proactively inform of any external interest
  • Disclose relationships to the Relationship Management Committee

Post-Transaction Management

 
IP&C Responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with contracts, payments, reporting obligations, and income distribution
  • Ensure ongoing IP prosecution to uphold SickKids’ interests
 
Innovator Responsibilities
  • Complete technology transfer activities and follow-up actions
  • Report ongoing developments, modifications, or improvements to invention
  • Report any changes to inventorship or revenue share