Under the FP7, the consortium agreement is deemed to have been concluded before the signature of the Grant Agreement between the Commission and the project coordinator (article 1.4 of the Core Agreement model).

• Core Agreement model

The consortium agreement models available for FP7 projects can be downloaded from the related IPR-Helpdesk Web page. However, none of these existing models is specific to actions for the benefit of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). A specific model is likely to appear in the future, as was the case under FP6 (cf. ANRT model for CRAFT projects). The new ownership regime applying to these actions (cf. article 41 of the FP7 Rules for participation) requires participants to make decisions regarding the ownership of the foreground and to express them in the consortium agreement and in the so-called "Transaction" (cf. article III.1 and III.2 of Annex III - Specific provisions related to "Research for SMEs" or "Research for SME associations" - to the grant agreement). Therefore, before drafting or adapting any existing model for an FP7 SME action, it is advisable to thoroughly read and understand the related applicable IPR regime.

• IPR-Helpdesk document "IP-related issues for SMEs in FP7 projects"

• IPR-Helpdesk webpage on Consortium Agreement Models

• FP7 Rules for participation

• Annex III - Specific provisions related to "Research for SMEs" or "Research for SME associations" - to the FP7 grant agreement

• ANRT Model Consortium Agreement for FP6 Cooperative Research projects