Use the brochure for research collaborations
Share the brochure Research collaboration with Umeå University with your collaboration partner so they understand the legal requirements for collaborations.
Usage rights for results
In contract research, Umeå University conducts research on behalf of a client. There are no formal obstacles to a client taking ownership of the results of an assignment, but in some cases it is sufficient to simply provide usage rights. It is up to the client and you, the researcher, to agree on how the results may be used.
Agreements and compensation
Contract research should always include a written agreement. The University must charge a fee for the assignment that fully covers the University’s costs for the project. This is called fully financed (full kostnadstäckning).
Secrecy in contract research
Information that is provided to Umeå University or is created at the University becomes an official document even when this occurs in connection with contract research. There are regulations that make it possible to keep certain information you have received from a client confidential, but universities can never promise secrecy for all information.
If the client has requested secrecy, this is included as part of the secrecy examination. Such a request should be documented, for example in an agreement. If it is clear that the information is important to the client and that it must not be disseminated, it is not necessary for the client to have requested secrecy. For example, information may need to be kept confidential to prevent loss of the novelty value of an invention in case the client would like to apply for a patent.
The agreements that the University enters into with the client must include a clause that gives the University the right to disclose information if ordered to do so by a court.
As a researcher, you have a duty of professional secrecy if a client provides information classified as secret.
Do you have a question for the legal officers?
If you have a legal question about agreements, secrecy, personal data and other legal aspects of research, please contact the legal officers at universitetsjurist@umu.se.
