Examples of Research License Agreement Example

Explore diverse examples of research license agreements to understand their structure and applications.
By Jamie

Introduction

A Research License Agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms under which one party can use the research materials or findings of another party. These agreements are crucial in various fields, including academia, pharmaceuticals, and technology, as they protect the intellectual property while allowing for collaboration and innovation. In this article, we present three practical examples of Research License Agreements to illustrate their structure and applications.

Example 1: University Research License Agreement

Context

This license agreement is designed for a collaboration between a university and a biotechnology company. The university has developed a new biopharmaceutical, and the company seeks to conduct clinical trials using the university’s research.

The University of Science and Technology (UST) agrees to grant BioInnovate LLC a non-exclusive license to use its patented biopharmaceutical formulation for clinical trials. The license is granted for a period of five years, with an option to renew.

The agreement outlines the following key points:

  • Scope of License: BioInnovate LLC may use the biopharmaceutical formulation solely for clinical trial purposes.
  • Royalties: BioInnovate LLC agrees to pay UST a royalty of 5% on sales resulting from the clinical trials.
  • Confidentiality: Both parties agree to keep all non-public information confidential.
  • Termination: The agreement can be terminated by either party with a 60-day written notice.

Notes

  • This type of agreement is common in university-industry collaborations, facilitating the transfer of knowledge while protecting both parties’ interests.
  • Variations may include exclusive licensing rights or different royalty structures based on the outcomes of the research.

Example 2: Software Research License Agreement

Context

This example involves a technology company that has developed a proprietary algorithm and is granting a research institution the right to use it for academic purposes. The institution aims to study the algorithm’s applicability in big data analytics.

TechSolutions Inc. grants DataScience Research Institute a non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use its proprietary algorithm for research purposes. The agreement is effective for two years.

Key terms in the agreement include:

  • License Grant: DataScience Research Institute may use the algorithm solely for research and educational purposes.
  • Attribution: The institute must acknowledge TechSolutions Inc. in any publications resulting from the research.
  • Data Sharing: Any data derived from the research must be shared with TechSolutions Inc. for further development purposes.
  • Compliance: The institute agrees to comply with all applicable laws regarding data use and privacy.

Notes

  • This type of agreement is crucial in the tech sector, where proprietary software must be protected while still contributing to academic research.
  • Variants might include longer terms or specific research objectives to be achieved.

Example 3: Pharmaceutical Research License Agreement

Context

In this scenario, a pharmaceutical company is seeking to license research findings from a clinical trial conducted by a research lab. The lab has developed a novel delivery system for a drug, and the pharmaceutical company intends to use this system in its product development.

PharmaCorp licenses Research Lab XYZ to utilize its novel drug delivery system for further development and commercialization. The license agreement is set for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of extension.

Important elements of the agreement include:

  • Purpose: PharmaCorp is authorized to use the delivery system for the development of its new drug formulations.
  • Compensation: PharmaCorp agrees to pay Research Lab XYZ an upfront fee of $250,000 and a 7% royalty on gross sales of the resulting products.
  • Intellectual Property: Any improvements made to the delivery system during the term of the agreement will be jointly owned.
  • Reporting: PharmaCorp must provide quarterly reports on progress and sales related to the licensed technology.

Notes

  • Such agreements are vital in the pharmaceutical industry, where collaboration can lead to significant advancements in drug delivery and effectiveness.
  • Different agreements may include specific milestones or performance metrics that need to be met by the licensee.