The University System of Ohio and Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble have inked an agreement that simplifies the legal process they use to negotiate research projects. “For the first time, with just one agreement we are unleashing the collective power of Ohio’s universities to help turn ideas into products and products into jobs,” says Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, who proposed the deal in his 2010 State of the State address. The project also increases industry-financed research spending — a key goal of Ohio’s 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education. The Chancellor’s Office and Attorney General’s Office negotiated the agreement in coordination with Ohio’s public universities and P&G.<\/p>\n
When considering a specific project, the parties will start with the contract framework and will only negotiate unique terms, such as scope of work and financial issues. The process is designed to enable faster collaboration — 12 to 18 months ahead of similarly positioned universities in other states. “We will continue to do everything possible to streamline the legal process in the service of innovation,” says Attorney General Richard Cordray. “Getting things right matters, but simplicity and speed are just as important.”<\/p>\n
Modeled after a structure that the University of Cincinnati and P&G pioneered in 2005, the agreement governs terms and conditions that are standard in research projects between industry sponsors like P&G and Ohio’s public universities, such as the treatment of IP and confidential information. The agreement helps to promote co-ops, internships, and postdoctoral fellowships through new research projects and creates opportunities for similar agreements between the University System of Ohio and other companies. All 14 universities within the state systems will participate in the deal with P&G.<\/p>\n