I Want to Work With Industry
Partnering with Industry
Collaborations with companies can provide valuable opportunities to advance research, develop new technologies, and translate discoveries into practical applications. The Office of Research and Innovation can help faculty establish industry partnerships and make sure the appropriate agreements are in place before work begins.
Contact us early in the conversation. You do not need to have the details of a collaboration worked out before reaching out to us.
Sharing Confidential Information
Early discussions with a potential industry partner sometimes require sharing information that has not been publicly disclosed. A nondisclosure agreement (NDA), also called a confidentiality agreement, can allow the parties to exchange confidential information while defining how that information may be used and protected.
Before sharing unpublished research, an invention, or other confidential information with an outside organization, contact us to determine whether an NDA is appropriate.
As a public university, CPP is subject to the California Public Records Act (PRA). University records may be subject to public disclosure unless an applicable legal exemption allows them to be withheld. As a result, CPP cannot always agree to NDA terms that promise absolute or unlimited confidentiality. Some confidential business information, including qualifying trade secrets, may be protected from disclosure, but confidentiality terms must be consistent with the University’s legal obligations.
If a company asks you to sign an NDA, please send it to us rather than signing it yourself. We will work with Procurement to facilitate review and establish appropriate confidentiality terms.
Exchanging Research Materials
If you plan to provide or receive research materials—such as biological materials, chemical compounds, prototypes, or other proprietary materials—a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) may be required.
MTAs establish the terms under which materials can be used and can address issues such as ownership, publication, confidentiality, intellectual property, and the disposition of materials at the end of the project.
Contact us before materials are sent or received so that the appropriate agreement can be established.
Industry-Sponsored Research
A company may provide funding to support a specific research project at CPP. Industry-sponsored research agreements typically address:
- the research to be performed and project funding;
- intellectual property developed during the project;
- publication of research results;
- confidentiality and proprietary information;
- project reports and deliverables; and
- rights the sponsor may receive to use or license resulting technology.
ORI and the appropriate University and Foundation offices will work with you and the sponsor to develop an agreement that supports the research while protecting the interests of the investigator and University.
Intellectual Property and Publication
Industry collaborations sometimes involve different expectations about intellectual property and publication than traditional academic research.
CPP supports faculty publication and dissemination of research results. At the same time, an agreement may provide a sponsor with a limited opportunity to review proposed publications to identify confidential information or allow time to pursue intellectual property protection.
Discuss publication and intellectual property expectations with us before making commitments to an industry partner.
Have a Potential Industry Partner?
Whether a company has contacted you or you are interested in approaching one, contact the Office of Research and Innovation early in the process. We can help identify the appropriate pathway and coordinate with other University offices as needed.