Listen now | Episode 198 On this week's episode, we welcome Mike McLean, CEO of Innovation Asset Collective, to talk about the importance of intellectual property (IP) for startups and Canadian companies. Mike explains how founders can prepare for IP challenges when entering global markets and how to use IP to create value.Mike talks about how the government helps Canadian tech companies protect and use their IP, and he points out that Canada is not doing as well as it should in creating and using IP, with many Canadian patents owned by foreign companies. He shares advice on building a defensive patent portfolio and using government support for IP education and protection.We also discuss the early stages of the IP process, how to create value with an IP strategy, and the importance of having experts help with IP planning. Mike explains how IP insurance works and why it’s important for companies facing legal challenges. He also talks about the importance of having clear IP terms in employee contracts and how AI is changing IP laws. Finally, Mike shares his journey in the IP field and stresses the importance of owning up to mistakes.