3. How do you work with research laboratories?

Once the laboratory or laboratories have been identified, there are several possible ways of working together:

• one-off expertise. Most of the time, this involves solving a technical problem or providing technical support, but without the need for a study or prototype. A direct contract with the laboratory is the simplest;

• if the innovation requires a more in-depth technical study or the production of a prototype within a limited timeframe (from 6 months to 3 years), it is preferable to sign a research contract with the laboratory, with assistance in the form of a research tax credit or other (OSEO, regional...). Each laboratory defines its own rules concerning intellectual property, which need to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis;

• if the aim is to develop an existing...