Literacy in intellectual property is an essential skill for businesses competing in today’s innovation economy, says UWindsor law professor Myra Tawfik.

She co-authored “Foundations of IP Strategy,” an online course used as a component of a program offered through the Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre (EPICentre) to train executives in leveraging technology.

“It is imperative that IP education programs be available across the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, especially for those who aspire to business leadership positions as chief technology or IP or innovation officers,” Tawfik says.

Funded by FedDev Ontario, the five-week NextGen CTO Program is open to students from all faculties, as well as business owners and entrepreneurs who want to learn more about leveraging IP in their projects and businesses. It will be conducted online.

“We hope this program will help students and entrepreneurs develop IP savviness that will give them a competitive advantage in their future careers or businesses,” said EPICentre director Wen Teoh.

Applications are open until Feb. 21. Find more details on the program website.