Funding of IP

IP funding should be done on an investment basis. IP should return value. That value may be retained market share and/or additional revenue generation (for example by licensing or sale).

The projected returned value should determine the level of funding committed.

Ideally IP is self-funding by generation of income. Furthermore the beneficial tax treatment of IP may offset funding costs.

Enterprise Ireland provide Innovation Vouchers (innovationvouchers.ie) to help with innovation. They also have a Commercialisation Fund, which funds patent searching activities. Some R&D funding may allow for patent costs.

Some County Enterprise Boards offer funding which will help with IP costs.

IP protection arising from collaboration with a third level institution may be funded by them (though generally they will also own the IP).

Another option is some form of external investment. Some private Venture Capital or VC funds may be accessed. Other funds include Bank of Ireland Seed and Early Stage Equity Fund.