Technology innovation

Technology innovation means developing new or improved technology, such as software, devices or processes, and bringing it to market. It is a business concept rather than a legal term. The legal questions it raises are mainly about protecting the innovation through intellectual property and contracts, and complying with laws that apply to the new product or service.

How BC law treats it

Innovations may be protected by patents, copyright, industrial designs, trademarks and confidentiality, each with its own rules. Separately, the Protection of Public Participation Act, SBC 2019, c 3 is BC's anti-SLAPP law allowing early dismissal of proceedings targeting expression on matters of public interest; it is not a privacy or technology statute.

What it means for your business

Decide early which parts of your innovation to patent, keep confidential or simply launch, because each choice affects the others.

Risks and common mistakes

Talking publicly about an invention before filing for a patent can limit or destroy patent protection.

Fulcrum's intellectual property lawyers can help with these issues.

General information about British Columbia and Canadian law, current to October 2026. It is not legal advice.