Industry

Consultancy agreement or service delivery agreement, in which the university member agrees with an industrial partner to provide services related to specific research equipment, expertise, or knowledge, for which the partner will pay.

Research services agreement, where the university member agrees with an industrial partner to conduct research on issues relevant to the industrial partner, and the partner commits to paying for this service. Under such contracts, the transfer of prior knowledge to the client is not allowed. If the research is based on prior knowledge, it is advisable to define this knowledge in the contract, along with the rights to its use. If the prior knowledge constitutes an invention owned by the University of Ljubljana, the Knowledge Transfer Office must be informed before granting any rights related to the invention.

A research collaboration agreement, whereby partners commit to carry out research. To this end, partners combine prior knowledge, staff, financial resources and share the risk of success. It is important that the contract clearly describes the prior knowledge and other inputs (financial, in-kind, human resources) that the partners bring to the project.

On the journey from idea to market, we collaborate with various partners. After securing the intellectual property generated within the research at the university, we begin seeking partners who can provide financial, technical, or other assistance in developing a prototype or validating the operation of your idea. We enter into a collaboration agreement with the partner, specifying the contributions of each partner and the rights to project results. The partner's contributions depend primarily on their interest in leveraging university knowledge. Through the collaboration agreement, we do not transfer existing intellectual property rights, but it is advisable to retain rights to project results.

In exchange for the partner's contribution, we offer favorable terms for the transfer of intellectual property rights. If the partner is not interested in university knowledge themselves, we can agree to provide them with a certain percentage of the revenue that the University generates from the sale of intellectual property rights or licensing of university knowledge

Industrial partners also have the option to use existing university knowledge. Through a transfer of intellectual property rights agreement, the University transfers these rights to the company or allows the company to use these rights through licensing agreements. Licensing agreements can be exclusive or non-exclusive, time-limited, and geographically restricted, and may also be limited to specific fields of use. The transfer agreement specifies the price, while the licensing agreement specifies the licensing fee.

The uniqueness of such collaboration lies in the involvement of a student in the relationship between the faculty and the industrial partner, with the student having certain rights and obligations. The main purpose of such collaboration is the preparation of a written thesis as part of the student's studies, while simultaneously leading to results that are commercially viable and of interest to the participating industrial partner. Before any such collaboration, it is advisable to conclude a tripartite agreement  between the University of Ljubljana, the industrial partner, and the student.

The Knowledge Transfer Office of the University of Ljubljana serves as a bridge between research and business. Together we build a culture of innovation and mutual knowledge. The joint events we organise open the door to new collaborations, the exchange of ideas and the search for innovative solutions, which is key to driving progress in the innovation community as a whole.

One of the main events for building innovation communities and partnerships is the annual UNI.MINDS festival.

Companies that donate funds to the university not only enhance their reputation as a socially responsible company, but also have a direct impact on shaping future generations of experts. Donations to the Innovation Fund will enable the University of Ljubljana to better adapt the latest research results and technologies to the needs of the market, reducing risks for industry. Cooperation between companies and UL promotes knowledge sharing and the establishment of sustainable partnerships. The funds that a company gives to UL can be returned in the form of highly qualified human resources, innovative projects and positive changes in society. By doing so, the company is not only investing in its future, but also contributing to the development of the community and society as a whole.

• Before disclosing confidential information to partners, establish a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) (SI/ENG).
• Before collaboration, sign a collaboration agreement.
• In the agreement, define the purpose of collaboration, rights, and obligations of partners.
• The price defined in the agreement should be market-based.
• In the agreement, specify the prior knowledge you bring.
• For the University of Ljubljana, it's important to reserve the right to publish results.

• Ensure that the contract is implemented according to the agreed deadlines.
• Ensure that communication flows smoothly on both sides.
• Make sure you keep your partner's trade secrets confidential.
• Regulate relations with external collaborators and students involved in the project.

• Return confidential documents and materials to your partner.
• Keep your partner's trade secrets safe even after the cooperation has ended.
• Only cite the partner as a reference if agreed in writing.
• Before publishing the results of the project, assess whether they have commercial value in the market. If so, disclose them to the Knowledge Transfer Office, which will take care of the legal protection of the UL's intellectual property or the transfer of rights to the partner.
• Notify the partner of your intention to publish as agreed in the contract.