Lighting the Way Forward: How Innovative Global Ideas is Protecting Innovation While Scaling Sustainably
Jan 19
When Irfan Khan founded Innovative Global Ideas, his goal was simple but ambitious: rethink how the world uses lighting. After more than a decade working across global lighting markets — from Central Asia to the Middle East — Khan had seen firsthand how inefficient, energy-hungry lighting systems were taken for granted, even as energy costs and climate pressures continued to rise.
Founded in 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand, Innovative Global Ideas develops advanced indoor and outdoor lighting solutions capable of reducing energy consumption by more than 80 per cent compared to traditional systems. In 2023, Khan brought the company to Canada, establishing operations in Manitoba and Alberta as part of a broader strategy to scale into North American markets.
As the company began laying roots in Canada and engaging with public- and private-sector partners, one challenge quickly became clear: protecting the intellectual property behind its lighting innovations would be critical to long-term growth.
The Project: Building an IP Foundation for Global Expansion
Through North Forge’s ElevateIP program, Innovative Global Ideas set out to develop a formal intellectual property strategy to support its expansion into Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The ElevateIP-supported project focused on:
Conducting a comprehensive audit of Innovative Global Ideas’ existing IP
Developing a formal IP strategy aligned with the company’s commercialization and growth plans
Completing a trademark strategy and clearance search
Drafting one-way and mutual non-disclosure agreements to protect confidential information when engaging partners, distributors, and government stakeholders
For Khan, the goal was not just legal protection — it was clarity. “We knew our technology was different,” he explains. “But as we started talking to governments, distributors, and homeowners, we needed to be confident that our ideas, our designs, and our brand were properly protected.”
Why This Project Matters
Innovative Global Ideas operates at the intersection of energy efficiency, infrastructure, and sustainability — sectors where innovation can be easily replicated if not properly safeguarded. Entering new international markets without a defined IP strategy posed real risks.
By engaging ElevateIP and working with a local law firm, the company was able to take its first structured steps toward protecting its innovation, while gaining a clearer understanding of how IP strategy supports business growth over the short, medium, and long term.
“Every step was very smooth,” Khan says. “We received guidance not only from North Forge, but also from the law firm, about what we needed and how to move forward. Out of ten, I would say the experience was more than 9.5.”
Outcomes and Early Impact
As a direct result of the ElevateIP-supported services, Innovative Global Ideas has achieved several important milestones:
Formal IP Strategy Development: The company completed a detailed IP review and strategy memo outlining how its intellectual property can be protected and leveraged as it scales internationally.
Trademark Strategy and Clearance: A trademark clearance search was completed, providing clarity around brand protection and reducing risk as the company expands its market presence.
Stronger Commercial Readiness: Newly drafted non-disclosure agreements now enable the company to confidently engage distributors, government officials, and private-sector partners.
While final patent-related steps remain subject to program funding timelines, Khan emphasizes that the groundwork is in place. “The first step is done,” he says. “Now we know exactly what needs to happen next.”
From IP Strategy to Real-World Impact
With a clearer IP foundation, Innovative Global Ideas has continued to focus on market traction — particularly in Manitoba.
In 2024, the company launched a consumer-facing pilot that attracted interest from 35 homeowners, offering zero-upfront-cost lighting upgrades paid over 18 months. The model allows customers to see real energy savings before committing fully — a philosophy Khan has carried throughout his career.
“People don’t want promises,” he explains. “They want to see the return on investment on their actual energy bill.”
At the same time, the company continues conversations with municipal and provincial stakeholders about retrofitting existing lighting infrastructure — proposing solutions that reduce energy consumption without requiring costly full-system replacements.
Looking Ahead
For Innovative Global Ideas, ElevateIP has been a foundational step in a much longer journey.
By pairing technical innovation with a thoughtful IP strategy, the company is positioning itself for inclusive, sustainable growth — creating opportunities for homeowners, distributors, and governments to reduce energy use while adopting next-generation lighting solutions.
As Khan puts it, “We’re not trying to rush. We’re building trust, building our brand, and building something that lasts.”
