When it comes to IP, we follow the motto “protect it, don’t neglect it.” In this episode ofTech About Town, hosts Alex Kinsella and Rosie Del Campo sit down with Jim Hinton, founder and CEO ofOWN Innovation, to explore the critical role of intellectual property (IP) for tech startups. 

As a leading expert in IP strategy (and one of our favourite people around the Hub), Jim wants founders to know they need to prioritize IP protection from day one.

Jim explains the different forms of IP—patents, trademarks, trade secrets—and how startups can leverage provisional patents and trade secrets to safeguard their innovations while balancing tight budgets.

The conversation also looks at the impact of AI-generated code on IP ownership, the role of open-source software, and the increasing competition from global players like China and the U.S. Jim stresses that IP is a game of strategy, not fairness and that Canadian startups must be on their game by building IP strategy into their company DNA.

[04:46] Jim Hinton discusses OWN Innovation and the importance of IP for Canadian startups.

[07:26] Why startups need to think about IP from day one.

[08:36] How to prioritize IP protection with a limited budget.

[12:00] Alarming IP statistics in Canada—only 17% of firms see IP as essential.

[14:18] Understanding different types of IP: trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and copyrights.

[19:15] AI-generated code and its challenges for IP ownership.

[21:07] The rapid rise of AI patenting and China’s role in global IP competition.

[23:14] The challenge for Canadian startups in navigating global AI competition.

[25:20] Common IP mistakes tech startups make.

[31:24] The challenges of naming a startup in an increasingly crowded IP landscape.