As corporate interest in partnering with universities rises, so does the need for high-quality master research agreements (MRAs). This type of agreement dramatically speeds the initiation of specific projects, reduces duplicate work and saves time and headaches for university and corporate staff, clearly sets out the obligations of both parties, and helps cement long-term, productive partnerships.
But negotiating an MRA is no easy task. It is a thorough and deliberate process and you must address terms and conditions that are — and will be — applicable to each project over time, while also providing wiggle room for project-specific issues to be addressed later. This is made even more difficult when projects are ongoing and outcomes are unknown.
The goal is a win-win agreement with your corporate partner/sponsor. So how do you draft an MRA that suits the needs of both parties?
This eye-opening webinar led by global R&D advisor and attorney James Casey will leave you with a greater understanding of the purpose of MRAs and best practices for solidly written agreements that will stand the test of time.
Topics covered will include:
- The role and importance of master research agreements
- Negotiating terms and conditions related to:
- Funding
- Payment agreements
- Background IP disclosures
- Foreground IP
- Improvements
- Publication
- Conducting the scope of work proposed
- Contract issues that need to be carefully considered:
- Liability/indemnification
- Choice of law
- Intellectual property
- International issues
PLUS! Hear the original recording of the live Q&A portion of the program
Meet your session leader:
James Casey, JD, MPA, MA
R&D Advisor and Attorney
Washington, DC
Mr. Casey is an R&D advisor and attorney based in Washington, DC. His 20+ year career in research administration encompasses a broad range of experience and expertise: pre-award, non-financial post award, contracting, compliance, development of policy, procedure and guidance, and the establishment, re-engineering, and management of sponsored research offices.
Today, his primary focus is on contracting/transactions, research development, international research administration, compliance, and the intersection of law and research administration. In the international realm Mr. Casey has given research administration presentations in 14 countries. He is a long-time NCURA contributorand received their Distinguished Service Award in 2009.
Mr. Casey is a member of the Wisconsin Bar and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, and is licensed to practice law before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. He is a State Bar of Wisconsin delegate to the ABA House of Delegates and serves on the boards of the State Bar of Wisconsin International Practice Section and the Nonresident Lawyers Division. He is a Past President of the Nonresident Lawyers Division. James is a Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation and served on the Dayton Law Review while attending the University of Dayton School of Law. He may be reached at lawrev@hotmail.com.
