Council Decision on rules for the dissemination of Community RTD results
The Council has adopted Decision 94/762/EC of 21 November 1994 on the rules for the dissemination of research results from the specific programmes of research, technological development and demonstration of the European Community. The Decision sets out the rules for the following forms of knowledge resulting from the specific programmes under the Fourth Framework Programme (1994-1998): - Knowledge resulting from direct actions or from actions the cost of which is wholly supported by the Community; - Knowledge which could be used in an industrial or commercial application. The Community and the contractors will be required to exploit the knowledge in their possession, taking account of: - The objectives of strengthening the international competitiveness of Community industry and economic and social cohesion in the Community; - The needs of other Community policies in support of which the RTD activities are carried out; - The existence of scientific and technical cooperation agreements between the Community and third countries or international organizations. Knowledge belonging to the Community should be made available to the contractors and to interested third parties established in the Community, or third countries associated with the implementation of the relevant programme through an agreement concluded with the Community. The contractors will make the knowledge in their possession available to each other and to interested third parties, provided that the interests of the Community and the legitimate interests of the contractors are safeguarded. The Commission will ensure that knowledge suitable for dissemination is disseminated or published either by the Commission itself or by the contractors, taking in to account the need to safeguard intellectual and industrial property rights, confidentiality or legitimate commercial interests.