Why is a written agreement necessary?
Whenever a company or other outside Sponsor funds research at the University, the parties must sign a written agreement. This agreement must define the scope of work, establish acceptable payment arrangements, and address important issues such as the right to publish research results, protection of confidential information, and indemnification of third parties and/or case injury. UCLA has developed a standard Research Agreement that has received prior approval by legal counsel for the University, so it can be completed and signed with few delays if accepted by the Sponsor.