Types of Agreements

Types of Agreement [1]

Gift/Donations/
Programmatic Support
Collaborative Research Agreement
Sponsored Research Agreement
Testing Services Agreement
Material Transfer Agreement
Non-Disclosure Agreements
Scope of Work
None
Specified Area of Research of interest to both parties
Description of Research Project prepared by PI
Usually testing proprietary materials owned by company
Use usually limited to internal research purposes
Usually for initial discussions for purposes of future agreement
Deliverable
None
Reports as negotiated by the parties
Report(s) required by Sponsor
Proprietary Test Results of Services
None
None
Terms of Publication
None (publication not required)
MSU Retains Publication Rights
Generally, MSU retains Publication Rights (unless otherwise negotiated with the company)
Negotiated with the company
None. Publication is usually restricted
None. Publication is usually restricted
Intellectual Property Terms
None (MSU Owns)
MSU Owns IP created by MSU faculty and staff
MSU Owns with License Option to Sponsor
Sponsor Owns IP arising directly from requested services. University owns all other IP developed.
None. Sender retains IP rights
None. Discloser retains rights
Template examples, if available
N/A
Contact TTO
Contact TTO
Contact TTO

[1] See, Types of Agreements with Industry for full description of agreements and authorized signatories.  The university also requires a Facilities/Equipment Use Agreement to be signed by the VPRED for any use of university facilities or equipment by non-university personnel. 

Agreement Required
Agreement Required
Collaboration Research Agreement – contact Technology Transfer Office
MSU Testing Service Agreement or company testing agreement approved by MSU
Typical Billing / Payment Method
Check made Payable to the MSU Foundation or MSU
Usually unfunded
Fixed price, cost reimbursable
Fixed price, cost reimbursable
Usually no payment required
None
Official approved to Sign Agreements
MSU Foundation or VPRED
VPRED
Associate VPRED
Associate VPRED
VPRED
VPRED
Responsible MSU Office (START HERE)[2]

 [2] The university requires the appropriate MSU office to be contacted prior to negotiation with the industry partner. Furthermore, the appropriate MSU office will engage with the industry partner.