Partnerships create a formalized way for resources to be leveraged. At LLNL we view partnerships as an ideal way to enhance core capabilities and contribute to our innovative culture.  The Innovation and Partnerships Office (IPO) at LLNL offers contractual mechanisms to enable and support laboratory partnering for research and technology transfer. We have numerous examples of using these agreements to advance the development and commercialization of LLNL science. Also check out Guide to Partnering with National Labs.

Facilitating Agreements

Good partnerships start with clear terms of engagement. These agreements early in a partnership facilitate strong business relationships and protect intellectual property rights.

Nondisclosure Agreements (NDA)

The NDA is a confidentiality agreement that governs disclosure of non-public business information. This agreement is often executed before substantive technical or business discussions begin.

Material Transfer Agreements (MTA)

An MTA is a contract that governs the transfer of tangible research materials between two organizations, with the intention for internal research use. The MTA is a valuable tool for LLNL partners to evaluate LLNL-developed technology and for LLNL to obtain partner feedback.

Data Transfer/Use Agreements (DTA/DUA)

DTAs and DUA govern the transfer of data to perform research projects.

Interinstitutional Agreements (IIA)

IPO uses these agreements with collaborating organizations to clarify intellectual property and licensing responsibilities.

Commercial Licenses

License agreements grant rights to LLNL intellectual property providing a company with the opportunity to commercialize technology developed at LLNL. 

Research Agreements

Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)

The CRADA is a collaborative agreement for advancing commercialization of LLNL developed technologies. The industry partner provides research funds or in-kind contributions and each party to the agreement retains title to their own inventions.

Strategic Partnership Project (SPP)

An SPP agreement can be used by industry to fund research and development efforts at LLNL to provide opportunities for transferring technology for further development or commercialization.