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Cooperation Agreements

What is a Cooperation Agreement?

A Cooperation Agreement regulates joint research projects with those cooperation partners who will contribute equally to the project’s objective/s. The partners contribute equivalent services to the project, but usually not in the form of payments.

A distinction can be made between Joint Cooperation Agreements, which take place within the framework of funded projects (e.g. by the German Research Foundation (DFG), The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), etc.), and those Cooperation Agreements with companies or other external partners which can occur independently of funding.

The prerequisite is that the partners share a common objective for the project, have jointly designed the project, and contribute to its achievement by sharing the workload (work packages have to be defined).

How is Funding Regulated?

Collaborative projects are often financed by a funding body (such as DFG, BMBF, BMWi, HMWK, various foundations etc.); revenues from these projects are considered third-party funds according to Marburg University’s allocation formula.

In the case of Cooperation Agreements with companies, funding may be provided by the company concerned, though this is not necessarily the case.

What about Regulations concerning Intellectual Property (IP)?

All results obtained and the IP rights thereto remain with the partner from whom they originated. Each partner shall grant the other partners rights to use all results obtained for non-commercial purposes in research and teaching. Furthermore, Marburg University may grant the external partner the temporary initial right to negotiate commercial utilization, or transfer of the non-proprietary and IP-eligible results obtained by or jointly with Marburg University. However, Marburg University may only transfer such rights or allow their utilization if the conditions for licensing or transfer are appropriate and in line with customary market practice.

How can I apply for a Cooperation Agreement?

This Form (pdf in german) will enable you to submit your planned research project to the responsible Technology Transfer Department. If your potential cooperation partner has already provided you with a draft contract, please forward it to the Technology Transfer Department.