Free Non-Binding Term Sheet for Collaborative Research Template
Non-Binding Term Sheet for Collaborative Research
I. Parties Involved
[Your Company Name], which is represented by [Your Name] and is herein referred to as the "Initiating Party," along with [Collaborating Organization], which is represented by [Collaborator's Name] and is herein referred to as the "Collaborating Party."
II. Objectives of Collaboration
The parties aim to collaborate on developing sustainable energy solutions, focusing on improving solar panel efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs. This collaboration seeks to leverage the expertise of both parties to achieve advancements in renewable energy technologies and promote environmental sustainability.
III. Roles and Responsibilities
Initiating Party
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Provide access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment for conducting experiments and testing.
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Lead the technical design and implementation of the project, including developing new algorithms for data analysis and interpretation.
Collaborating Party
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Contribute financial support for purchasing specialized materials and hiring additional research personnel.
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Assist in data collection during field trials and provide valuable insights into market trends and customer preferences for product development.
IV. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
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Patents: Any inventions, discoveries, or innovative processes developed during the collaboration that are eligible for patent protection will be jointly owned or as per a separate agreement.
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Copyrights: Original works of authorship such as software code, research reports, publications, and creative content will be owned by the creator unless specified otherwise in writing.
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Trademarks: Logos, brand names, and distinctive marks associated with products or services developed as part of the collaboration will be protected and managed according to mutual agreement.
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Trade Secrets: Confidential information, including formulas, techniques, algorithms, and customer lists shared during the collaboration, will be kept confidential and used solely for the purposes outlined in the agreement.
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Data Rights: Access to and ownership of research data, datasets, and analytical models generated during the collaboration will be determined based on agreed-upon terms, ensuring fair use and protection of valuable data assets.
V. Funding Arrangements
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Each party involved in this agreement shall bear the responsibility for their expenses unless there exists a documented agreement to the contrary, which has been duly agreed upon and recorded in written form.
Potential funding sources include
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Government Grants: Seeking funding from federal, state, or local government agencies supporting research and development initiatives in the relevant field.
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Private Investors: Partnering with private investors, venture capital firms, or angel investors interested in supporting innovative projects with growth potential.
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Corporate Sponsorships: Collaborating with industry partners or companies interested in funding research projects aligned with their strategic objectives.
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Crowdfunding: Involving the general public by utilizing online platforms as a method to generate financial support for particular research activities or for achieving specific project milestones.
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Research Grants: Applying for research grants from foundations, nonprofit organizations, or academic institutions focused on funding scientific research and innovation.
VI. Timelines
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The project is set to begin on July 1, 2050, officially initiating the joint research efforts between the Initiating Party and the Collaborating Party, as outlined in the collaboration agreement, starting with resource distribution, project planning, and preliminary research activities.
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The project is set to end on December 31, 2052, by which time all milestones, deliverables, and objectives from the research agreement should be met, allowing time for data analysis and follow-up before its conclusion.
VII. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality for all sensitive information shared during the collaboration, such as research data, proprietary technologies, and trade secrets. Breach of confidentiality will result in legal consequences as outlined in the agreement, ensuring the protection of intellectual property and professional standards.
VIII. Termination
Either party can end this term sheet with written notice, following the agreed notice period. This allows time to wrap up activities, transition responsibilities, and address remaining collaboration matters. Termination reasons may include changes in scope, funding issues, or unforeseen circumstances. Adhering to outlined termination procedures ensures a smooth transition.
IX. Governing Law
The agreement adheres to the laws that are specified within the jurisdiction outlined by the contract, thereby resolving any arising disputes by these laws. This clarity provided by the agreement facilitates the process of interpreting and enforcing the terms of the contract, ultimately ensuring that there is a robust and suitable legal framework in place to address and manage matters related to collaboration.
X. Signatures
Both parties acknowledge their agreement with the terms outlined herein by signing below:
[Your Name]
[Your Company Name]
[Collaborator's Name]
[Collaborating Organization]