Working with colleagues who are private citizens

Colleagues who are private citizens, such as independent consultants, also may have rights to ownership. They can share in the distribution of royalties (if any) when they play a major role in the project. Unlike agreements with colleagues in universities or medical settings, however, there is no organizational involvement that needs to be accommodated in the negotiation of an agreement.

You must think through the role of the private citizen and, in the case where the participation will be substantial, ask the Transfer Officer for assistance in choosing and preparing the appropriate form of agreement.

Of course, if the individual will be taking a lead role, you may want to look into the possibility of an appointment to the VA Center staff.

Investigator

Transfer Officer

Center Director