About Vice-Principal ResearchIntellectual Property Education Program: Level 1: IP Foundations
This is a foundational course in intellectual property (IP) education. This course was developed by the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship team and is being offered to you through Queen’s University as part of our commitment to supporting innovation, research, and entrepreneurship across Ontario.
What is Level 1: IP Foundations?
This self-paced, online course introduces the core concepts of intellectual property, including:
- Module 1: What is Intellectual Property? Understanding its various forms—patents, trademarks, copyrights, and more
- Module 2: The Value of IP—why it matters in research, innovation, and commercialization
- Module 3: Filing Patents—basic steps and considerations in protecting your inventions
To receive a certificate of completion for the Level 1 - IP Foundations course, you’ll need to complete short quizzes throughout the modules and achieve a minimum score of 80% in each of the assessments.
Course Recognition and Access
Originally designed for the U of T community, this course is now available to external learners—including Queen’s—under a Creative Commons license. It has been recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities as a significant resource and milestone under the Intellectual Property Action Plan, and is endorsed as a valuable tool for anyone involved in the post-secondary research and innovation ecosystem.
Licensing Information
This work was developed by the University of Toronto Entrepreneurship team. Except where otherwise noted, it is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
Within Ontario, this work is covered by the Ontario Commons License.
Queen’s University IP Resources Module
Following completion of the Level 1 - IP Foundations course, the Queen’s University IP Resources module will help you explore the intellectual property resources available at Queen’s. Here, you’ll learn how to access support and guidance tailored to your needs—whether you're navigating IP policies or exploring commercialization opportunities, you’ll be introduced to the offices and tools at Queen’s that are here to help you protect, manage, and make the most of your intellectual property.
- Module 4: Navigating IP at Queen’s: Rights, Responsibilities and Resources
