Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Technology Transfer Agreement
I need a technology transfer agreement that outlines the terms for transferring proprietary technology from our company to a Canadian partner, ensuring compliance with local regulations, protection of intellectual property rights, and clear definitions of licensing terms, confidentiality obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
What is a Technology Transfer Agreement?
A Technology Transfer Agreement lets one organization share its innovations, technical knowledge, or intellectual property with another. This legal contract spells out how companies can use patented inventions, trade secrets, or specialized know-how, often between research institutions and businesses in Canada.
These agreements protect both sides by clearly defining what technology is being shared, how it can be used, and what payments or royalties apply. Under Canadian intellectual property laws, they're especially important for universities commercializing research discoveries and businesses looking to expand their technical capabilities through partnerships.
When should you use a Technology Transfer Agreement?
Consider a Technology Transfer Agreement when your organization needs to share valuable technical innovations or intellectual property with another party. This is especially vital for Canadian research institutions transferring lab discoveries to commercial partners, or when companies collaborate on developing new technologies.
Use this agreement before sharing any proprietary technical knowledge, from manufacturing processes to software code. It's particularly important when working with international partners, as it helps navigate Canadian export controls on sensitive technologies. The agreement becomes essential when monetizing research through licensing or when forming strategic partnerships that involve sharing protected technical assets.
What are the different types of Technology Transfer Agreement?
- Basic Research Transfer: Used by universities and research institutions to license discoveries to commercial partners. Focuses on core IP rights and development milestones.
- Commercial Technology License: Designed for business-to-business transfers, with detailed terms on usage rights, technical support, and market restrictions.
- Cross-Border Transfer: Specifically structured to comply with Canadian export controls and international IP protection, including jurisdiction-specific compliance requirements.
- Joint Development: Covers shared ownership of improvements and modifications when both parties contribute to ongoing technology development.
- Software Transfer: Tailored for digital technologies, including source code access, maintenance obligations, and user restrictions.
Who should typically use a Technology Transfer Agreement?
- Research Institutions: Universities and government labs that develop new technologies and seek to commercialize their discoveries through licensing agreements.
- Technology Companies: Both established firms and startups looking to acquire or license innovative technologies to enhance their product offerings.
- IP Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Canadian intellectual property laws and protect client interests.
- Technology Transfer Officers: Institutional specialists who manage the transfer process and negotiate terms.
- Industry Partners: Businesses that collaborate with research institutions to develop and commercialize new technologies.
How do you write a Technology Transfer Agreement?
- Technology Details: Document all technical specifications, source materials, and intellectual property rights involved.
- Scope Definition: Outline permitted uses, geographic limitations, and duration of the transfer.
- Party Information: Gather complete legal names, addresses, and signing authority details for all involved organizations.
- Payment Terms: Define royalty rates, milestone payments, and any ongoing financial obligations.
- Compliance Check: Review Canadian export control regulations and IP protection requirements.
- Documentation: Collect supporting technical documents, patents, and trade secret descriptions.
What should be included in a Technology Transfer Agreement?
- Parties and Scope: Full legal names of transferor and transferee, plus detailed description of technology being transferred.
- Grant of Rights: Specific permissions, restrictions, and territorial limits for technology use.
- Payment Terms: Clear structure for royalties, licensing fees, and milestone payments.
- Confidentiality: Protection measures for trade secrets and proprietary information.
- IP Protection: Ownership rights, improvements clause, and patent provisions.
- Termination: Conditions for ending the agreement and post-termination obligations.
- Governing Law: Specify Canadian jurisdiction and dispute resolution process.
What's the difference between a Technology Transfer Agreement and a Data Transfer Agreement?
A Technology Transfer Agreement differs significantly from a Data Transfer Agreement in both scope and purpose. While both involve transferring valuable assets between organizations, they serve distinct functions in Canadian business and research contexts.
- Subject Matter: Technology Transfer Agreements focus on intellectual property, inventions, and technical know-how, while Data Transfer Agreements specifically govern the sharing of databases, personal information, and digital records.
- Regulatory Framework: Technology transfers fall under IP and patent laws, whereas data transfers must comply with PIPEDA and privacy regulations.
- Duration and Structure: Technology transfers often involve ongoing relationships with royalties and development milestones, while data transfers typically have finite timeframes and stricter usage limitations.
- Risk Management: Technology transfers emphasize protecting proprietary innovations and commercial rights, while data transfers prioritize data security and privacy compliance.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.