Consortium Agreement and Intellectual Property Rights within the European Union Research and Innovation Programme

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse the main sections of the Consortium Agreement (CA) dedicated to the discipline of rules on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) within the European Union Research and Innovation Programme. The purpose of the study is to create a shared knowledge based on key aspects of the CA in European research projects. It should also be able to provide guidance to managers and operators of the University Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), that are, in fact, involved, at different levels, in providing general advisory activities in relation to researchers and in developing best practices. Finally, the key role that contract is assuming in a changing social and legal context will be highlighted.

Keywords: Confidentiality, EU law, Intellectual property, Research and development, Software