IP that vests in the government, or that the government can share with competitors, cannot be relied on as collateral and lowers what a buyer will pay.
Across the 3 regimes
United Kingdom
MOD's research and technology condition (DEFCON 705) leaves results with the contractor and gives the Authority use rights. DEFCON 703 vests results in the Authority and is used only exceptionally.
United States
DFARS 252.227-7013 and -7014: unlimited rights where development was funded by the government, limited rights where it was at private expense, and government purpose rights for mixed funding.
EU and NATO
Set by each contract or grant agreement and national law.
The rest of this page sets out the 3 quoted provisions behind these cells, what is usually negotiated, and what lenders and buyers ask. It is free with a work email, along with the full tools and guides.
Unlock the full section
Free. Work emails only. Unsubscribe at any time.
Related
General information on public law and standard terms as at 28 Oct 2026, not legal advice on any contract or transaction. Quoted wording is checked against the official text linked to it.