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The toolkit is made up of 5 model research collaboration agreements and 4 model consortium agreements plus supporting material. These can be accessed at www.ipo.gov.uk/whyuse/research/lambert.htm. This Guide will only focus on the model research collaboration agreements. The different versions of the collaborative research agreements contain variations on who owns and has the right to commercialise and use the IP arising out of the Project (that includes publication of the results). There is a Decision Guide with questions to help you decide which of the 5 model agreements to use. As the working group that produced them included public bodies, universities and UK companies they should hopefully reflect a reasonable compromise between the various interests of collaborators. They will not necessarily represent the best position from your research institution's point of view. They are, however, a useful starting point if your research institution does not have its own standard agreements. Research Vehicles Most research undertaken by research institutions involving third parties will be done using a Research Contract. There are possible other models, though. Unincorporated Association This is not a separate legal entity but a body whose members effectively contract on the basis of its constitution – a sort of club. It does not have limited liability and so it is important to set out what each member has agreed to do or not to do. Partnership This is a recognised legal structure but all partners are equally liable for each other partner's liabilities. It is not usually very attractive, unless there are foreign entities involved. Company IP, research equipment and people (sometimes through secondment) are occasionally put into a company which will undertake the research. This will have limited liability but it does create a separate legal entity. Types of Research Contract Section 1 8 These sorts of structures are only likely to be considered for very long term collaborative research or where there is a very large number of parties.