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Annex 08 - Intellectual Property (IP) Agreements

IP Ownership, Licensing, Assignment & University–Startup Collaboration​

Vigía Incubation Framework (VIF)​

National Public–Private Incubator Network Guide - Version 1.0

1. Introduction

This annex defines the Intellectual Property (IP) governance framework required for participants in the Vigía Incubation Framework (VIF), including:

  • startups,
  • incubator nodes,
  • universities and research institutions,
  • public-sector innovation agencies,
  • private investors and co-investors,
  • mentors and evaluators.

The purpose of this annex is to ensure that all IP created, used, transferred, or licensed within the national incubation network is:

  • legally protected,
  • allocated fairly,
  • transparently documented,
  • fully auditable,
  • compliant with national IP laws,
  • aligned with evidence standards (MCF 2.1),
  • aligned with maturity progression rules (IMM-P®),
  • consistent with governance (NSC, TOU, IC) and compliance (Annex 07).

This annex provides three standardized templates:

  1. IP Assignment Agreement
  2. IP Licensing Agreement
  3. University–Startup Collaboration Agreement

2. How to Use This Annex

2.1 Mandatory Components (Not Negotiable)​

All IP agreements must include:

  • conflict‑of‑interest declarations,
  • transparency and audit requirements,
  • documentation aligned with MCF 2.1,
  • maturity consistency aligned with IMM-P®,
  • IC independence (investment decisions cannot be influenced by IP transfers),
  • compliance with national IP laws,
  • data privacy rules (Annex 07),
  • evidence traceability requirements,
  • national security or export control considerations (if applicable).

2.2 Adaptable Components​

Countries may localize:

  • governing law,
  • jurisdiction,
  • IP registration bodies,
  • royalty rates,
  • revenue-sharing formulas,
  • university R&D policies,
  • licensing durations and financial terms.

2.3 Prohibited Modifications​

Countries may NOT:

  • weaken evidence integrity requirements,
  • bypass TOU compliance processes,
  • undermine IC independence,
  • obscure ownership structures,
  • eliminate auditability or data retention rules.

3. IP Architecture Diagram

IP Agreement Architecture
flowchart TD
    A(IP Foundations) --> B(IP Assignment)
    A --> C(IP Licensing)
    A --> D(University–Startup Collaboration)
    B --> E(Ownership Transfer)
    C --> F(Rights, Royalties & Limitations)
    D --> G(Joint IP & Research Obligations)

4. Template 1 - IP Assignment Agreement

4.1 Purpose​

Transfers full ownership of specified IP from one party (Assignor) to another (Assignee).

4.2 Structure​

SectionRequirement
Identified IPClear definition of what IP is being assigned
Ownership TransferFull transfer of rights, title, and interest
RepresentationsAssignor must prove ownership
WarrantiesNo liens, disputes, or encumbrances
Evidence ComplianceIP must align with MCF 2.1 documentation
Maturity ComplianceIP must reflect IMM-P® assessed capability
ConfidentialityRequired for all parties
Audit RightsMandatory under VIF
Governing LawLocalized

4.3 Core Clauses​

Article 1 - Parties​

Assignor → Startup / Researcher / Entity
Assignee → Startup / Innovation Authority / Investor

Article 2 - Description of Assigned IP​

Article 3 - Transfer of Ownership​

The Assignor permanently transfers:

  • all rights,
  • all title,
  • all interest,
  • all derivative works,
  • all associated registrations.

Article 4 - Representations & Warranties​

Article 5 - Confidentiality​

Article 6 - Evidence & Documentation Requirements​

Assignor must deliver:

  • experiment logs,
  • validation data (MCF 2.1),
  • maturity-related documentation (IMM-P®),
  • development history,
  • existing licensing obligations.

Article 7 - Audit & Compliance​

Article 8 - Governing Law​

5. Template 2 - IP Licensing Agreement

5.1 Purpose​

Allows one party (Licensor) to grant another (Licensee) the right to use IP under defined conditions.

5.2 Structure​

SectionRequirement
Grant of RightsExclusive/non-exclusive use defined clearly
Financial TermsRoyalties or lump-sum payments
Field of UseAllowed and restricted application areas
DurationLocalized
Evidence IntegrityIP must be linked to traceable MCF 2.1 logs
Sub‑LicensingRules must be explicit
RestrictionsNo illegal or unethical use
RevocationClear termination scenarios

5.3 Core Clauses​

Article 1 - Parties​

Article 2 - Licensed IP Description​

Article 3 - Grant of License​

Defines:

  • exclusive or non-exclusive rights,
  • geographic scope,
  • field of use,
  • limitations.

Article 4 - Financial Terms (Royalties)​

Article 5 - Evidence & Attribution Requirements​

Article 6 - Data, Privacy & Compliance (Annex 07)​

Article 7 - Confidentiality, Audit, and Reporting​

Article 8 - Termination​

6. Template 3 - University–Startup Collaboration Agreement

6.1 Purpose​

Defines IP ownership, research obligations, rights of use, and commercialization pathways for collaborations involving:

  • universities,
  • public research centers,
  • startup teams,
  • spin-offs.

6.2 Structure​

SectionRequirement
Background IPOwnership before collaboration
Foreground IPOwnership resulting from collaboration
Joint IPRules for shared ownership
Revenue-SharingRequired transparency
PublicationEmbargo period (recommended: 6–12 months)
Safety & Lab UseMandatory
Data GovernanceMust follow Annex 07
Evidence TraceabilityMust follow MCF 2.1

6.3 Core Clauses​

Article 1 - Parties​

University, Startup, Researchers, and any affiliated Labs.

Article 2 - Background IP Disclosure​

Article 3 - Foreground & Joint IP Rules​

Article 4 - Revenue-Sharing Agreement​

Article 5 - Use of Facilities and Research Infrastructure​

Article 6 - Academic Publications & Embargoes​

Article 7 - Data, Privacy & Security (Annex 07)​

Article 8 - Compliance, Audit & Dispute Resolution​

7. Localization Guidance

Countries must adapt:

  • legal terminology,
  • national IP registry references,
  • royalty/financial rules,
  • publication rights frameworks,
  • technology transfer regulations.

Countries may NOT modify:

  • evidence or maturity requirements,
  • auditability rules,
  • governance boundaries (NSC–TOU–IC),
  • IP-related COI requirements.

8. Reference Snapshot

Primary Doulab frameworks:

External influences (non-primary):

  • WIPO IP Governance Standards
  • OECD IP & Knowledge Transfer Guidelines
  • OECD Public Governance Principles
  • GDPR (for data-linked IP)

Full bibliography available in 11-references.md.

9. Licensing

Vigia Incubation Framework © 2025 by Luis A. Santiago is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 CC BY NC ND See: LICENSE.md

MicroCanvas®, IMM-P® and VIF are proprietary methodologies of Doulab.