Two organisations agree to research together. Each brings existing knowledge and both expect to use whatever emerges.
But who owns the results, who may commercialise them, what happens to each party's background IP, and whether either can publish are questions that become intractable once there is something valuable to argue about.
Research and Development Collaboration Agreement
Collaboration documentation covering the research programme and contributions, background and foreground intellectual property, ownership and commercialisation rights, publication, confidentiality, funding, and what happens if the collaboration ends early.
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You build the business. We help you protect it.
Picture a collaboration where background IP stays with its owner, results are allocated in advance, commercialisation rights are clear, and publication follows an agreed process.
Who this service is for
This Is For You If…
Companies collaborating on product or process research
Businesses partnering with universities or research institutions
Parties pooling technology for joint development
Organisations receiving research grants requiring collaboration terms
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What we will do for you
This is what we will do for you
Define the research programme, contributions and funding
Separate background IP from foreground results and allocate each
Set commercialisation rights and any licences between the parties
Deal with publication, confidentiality and early termination
What’s Included
What’s Included in our service for you
Research programme, contributions and funding defined
Background and foreground IP allocated
Commercialisation rights and cross-licences
Publication and confidentiality provisions
Early termination and results treatment
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Why Choose Legal That Works?
Why Choose Us To Assist You?
Digital-first
No office visit required—review and sign online
Transparent fees
Fixed price, no billing surprises
Deep experience
Various contracts across industries
Accessible
Our client portal keeps you informed
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We've Helped
You Need To Act Now
Important: Limited Slots
IP ownership is straightforward to agree before anyone knows what the research will produce, and extremely difficult afterwards.
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Nothing to Lose. Everything to Protect.
No Surprises. No Guesswork. Just Legal That Works.
Before anything starts, we speak with you to understand your business and make sure the service is the right fit. If it is not, we will say so upfront. No pressure. No wasted time. We only take on matters we are confident we can deliver with quality. That is why business owners trust us to get it right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Legal That Works?
Legal That Works is a business and organisation oriented legal service designed by Messrs Akmal Saufi & Co (the firm that has brought the widely known legal consumer services brand ASCOLAW). We specifically help business owners and organisation leadership to navigate Malaysia’s legal terrain to achieve their commercial goal.
What if I’m not sure what legal service I need?
No problem. Most business owners aren’t legal experts! Just reach out. Our team will guide you to the right service or help you understand your options—without jargon or upselling.
What is background IP?
What each party brings into the collaboration. It should stay with its owner, with licences granted only as needed.
Who owns the results?
Whatever the agreement says — joint ownership, sole ownership with a licence, or allocation by field. Each behaves differently.
Can either party publish?
Publication can destroy patentability. It should follow an agreed review process.
Who will be helping me?
All our services are delivered by our licensed lawyers under the Malaysian Bar with proven experience across industries. You’ll work with a real legal team, not chatbots or generic customer support.
