Collaborative Research

• Sponsor and UBC jointly define the research project
• UBC follows standard academic IP ownership principles: 
  • UBC retains ownership of IP created solely by its researchers (Article 9). 
  • The company owns any IP developed solely by its employees (Article 10). 
  • Jointly developed IP is jointly owned (Article 11). 
• UBC has made concessions from standard academic terms to support industry commercialization: 
  • Automatic non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use UBC and Joint IP (Article 12). 
  • A free option to negotiate exclusive commercial rights to UBC and Joint IP (Article 14) on commercially reasonable terms (Article 15). 
• Results and developments are expected
• Rights of the sponsor to use and/or own UBC IP and Joint IP are determined in the Agreement, as directed by the Principal Investigator.

1. For research-related contracts that don't involve an exchange of funds or payments, submit the Contract Request Form (ex. Material Transfer Agreements, Non-disclosure Agreements, Data Transfer Agreements).
2. Sponsor obtains a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the IP.
3. Sponsor is granted an option to negotiate a royalty-bearing license for UBC's rights to the IP.
4. Sponsor is assigned the rights to the IP if all direct and indirect costs of research are paid by the sponsor, and salaries for researchers are charged at industry rates.

• Publication may be temporarily delayed (within clearly defined limits) to protect commercial interests.
• UBC will protect confidential information clearly defined and provided by the Sponsor.
• Parties to the Agreement: UBC and Sponsor (may include UBC-Affiliated Hospitals)

Students may participate in collaborative research projects to enhance their academic experience. These arrangements must not delay or interfere with the academic studies or progression. Conduct of research will be in accordance with the university research policies regarding the use of human subjects, animals, radioactive materials and biohazards.

Some collaborative research arrangements may give rise to Conflict-of-Commitment or Conflict-of-Interest situations which require approval and management prior to the commencement of the consulting project.

The UBC Collaborative Research Agreement governs research partnerships between UBC and industry. It ensures that research conducted at UBC aligns with the university’s mission of knowledge generation and public dissemination while also recognizing the interests of industry partners. 

Learn more about Collaborative Research Agreements and request assistance by visiting Innovation UBC.