Access rights

In research and innovation projects, this term means licences and user rights to foreground or background.

ADR systems

Alternative Dispute Resolution systems to solve disputes (see arbitration and mediation).

Affiliated entity

According to the FP7 rules, any legal entity under the direct or indirect control of a participant, or under the same direct or indirect control as the participant, control meaning any of the following: (a) the direct or indirect holding of more than 50% of the nominal value of the issued share capital of the legal entity concerned, or of a majority of the voting rights of the shareholders or associates of that entity; (b) the direct or indirect holding, in fact or in law, of decision-making powers in the legal entity concerned.

Arbitration

Arbitration is an Alternative Dispute Resolution procedure for solving conflicts (i.e. outside of the judicial system). The dispute is settled by one or more impartial experts (arbitrators) who give a legally binding decision (the arbitral award).

Assignment of IP rights

Transfer by the right holder of the ownership of an IP right to another party.

Associated country

A third country that has concluded a science and technology cooperation agreement with the European Union.