Research RTD: results dissemination of technological and demonstration specific programmes

This Council decision sets out the principles applicable to intellectual property rights resulting from RDT projects funded by the Community, together with framework rules for disseminating the results of research. - The decision applies to projects under the fourth RDT framework programme for 1994-1998. - In principle, knowledge gained from work undertaken directly by the Community is the Commission's property. - The results of shared-cost RDT projects are owned by the contractors which carried out the work, who may apply and market them in keeping with Community interests, grant each other licences and user rights and grant access rights to other interested parties which may need to use the results. - The Community and the contractors are obliged to develop the knowledge in their possession in keeping with Community interests. - Knowledge belonging to the Community must be made available to contractors and interested third parties established in the Community or in third countries associated with the implementation of programmes under an agreement concluded between the Community and the third country in question. - Contractors must provide other contractors and interested third parties with the necessary knowledge and information, provided that the contractors' and the Community's legitimate interests are safeguarded. - The Commission must take measures to ensure that sufficient information is published on new discoveries. - The Commission will be assisted by a committee made up of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the Commission representative. - The Commission will present the Council with a report on the implementation of the decision, accompanied by proposals to adapt or extend it, before the end of the fourth framework programme.�