The benefits from quantum technology breakthroughs at Canadian startups and research labs could flow to foreign firms because of gaps in Canada’s approach to securing intellectual property, scientists and IP lawyers are warning.

The federal government has funded quantum science and companies, hoping advances in computing, cryptography and other applications will lead to major new economic opportunities. With the sector still in its early days, remedying shortcomings in policy and education shortcomings could help ensure the country profits from those innovations. “Harnessing IP is essential to actually take [market share] that’s proportional to [Canada’s] work in the field,” said Alexandre Daoust, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright.