CRCs and Collaborations
Our experience in this area is second to none. As well as more traditional research institutes, FAL has provided legal services to more than 60 CRCs and their participants since the beginning of the CRC program. Our advice is informed by these extensive dealings with CRCs and by our considerable experience in diverse areas of science, government and industry.
One of the biggest challenges in research is choosing the right structure to pursue a common goal, as significant consequences follow the decision to establish either an incorporated or unincorporated entity. That’s why we spend a lot of time getting this right, and setting you up for success.
In addition to this expertise, we provide a full suite of legal services to CRCs advising on both legal and commercial strategy, including:
- Developing and reviewing CRC and other grant applications
- Formation and restructures
- Venture capital funding
- Taxation
- Commercialisation of technologies
- Template agreements
- Intellectual property and other policies
- Corporate compliance and management
- Director's duties
- Spin-off and commercial companies
- Wind Up
Examples of previous work:
- Negotiation and contract documentation for an establishment, renewal and winding up of CRCs
- Advising universities and CRCs on audit and compliance requirements
- Advising on transparent and accountable decision-making frameworks
- Drafting and advising in relation to the licensing of technologies, including the establishment of spin off and manufacturing companies
- Representing the CRC Association in negotiations with and making submissions to the Australian Tax Office on tax matters affecting CRCs
- Acting for a spin-off of a CRC, establishing a corporate vehicle to commercialise, and effecting the first and second round capital fund raising for the start-up company from a venture capitalist
- Acting for a spin-off involving a CRC and one of its participants to commercialise innovative manufacturing technology for application in the vehicle and metal industry.
- Working with a cardiac technology CRC, involving a venture capitalist and establishing a commercialisation vehicle, and on-sale of that vehicle to a major foreign listed company
- Establishing a company using venture capital funds to develop and commercialise hearing aids and devices
- Referral, where relevant, to a wide network of associates involved in capital markets, accounting, communication and other commercial areas.
For more information, download our CRC capability statement or contact Jenni Lightowlers.
