For sponsored agreements, intellectual property management, and other collaborative arrangements, there are designated ISU signatories who are responsible for compliance. Thane Peterson, Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA), is the designated signatory for documents related to externally funded projects and other collaborative arrangements, such as confidentiality and material transfer agreements. Ken Kirkland, Director of the ISU Research Foundation (ISURF), is the designated signatory for documents related to intellectual property disclosed to that office, such as confidentiality, material transfer, research, and license agreements.

Some agreements are complex enough to require authorized signatures from both OSPA and ISURF. The two offices work together on these agreements.

The Principal Investigator’s Signature
In addition to the authorized signature, it is appropriate to have the Principal Investigator (PI) sign agreements. The PI’s signature provides an acknowledgement that the PI has accepted the terms and conditions of the agreement and approves the scope of work. The terms and conditions include the terms of confidentiality, material transfer, reporting obligations, payment structures, etc.

Additional Signatures
For some agreements, even more signatures are required. Department and college procedures govern whether the deans, directors, and/or department chairs also sign the agreements. Procedures differ greatly among colleges and departments. These offices should be consulted to determine the appropriate signatures.

The Sponsor's Signature
Usually, the authorized signatory is not the technical contact for the agreement.

Consequences Of Inappropriately Signed Documents
The most common error in executing documents is not obtaining the authorized signature. It is very important to remember that ISU faculty and staff are not the only signatures necessary for a legally valid document that binds ISU. Documents executed without an ISU authorized signature may not be legally binding, or may make the individual who signed it personally liable (instead of the university). In addition, there may be unfavorable terms in the agreement that can lead to consequences such as loss of intellectual property rights, ability to publish, and ability to continue research. Additionally, this can cause damage to the relationship between ISU and the third party and lead to an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved.

Confidentiality agreements are the most frequently executed document without a proper authorized ISU signature. In the event that you are asked to sign a document, please forward it to OSPA for review. If this occurs last minute, it is recommended that no confidential information be disclosed and no work be performed until an agreement can be executed or you have contacted either Thane Peterson or Lisa Lorenzen. They will work with you to protect your interests.

If you have any questions, about this tip sheet or working with industry, please contact: Lisa Lorenzen, Director of Industry Relations & Biotechnology Liaison, (515) 294-0926, llorenze@iastate.edu