Range of Services

Technology Information

The Bureau has a large computerised database on technology options available from

different countries. It gives the user updated information on sources of technologies

and means of accessing them. Also, background information on technology-seeking

enterprises is maintained and made available to interested technology suppliers and

collaborators.

Match Making

It identifies business partners willing to collaborate, brings them face to face and extends

support to tie up financial assistance and other requirements for the transfer of

technology and joint ventures. Collaborating partners are further assisted in drafting

agreements, obtaining various approvals and preparation of business plans.

Finance Syndication

Depending on the cost of project, nature and quantum of assistance required, the Bureau

undertakes financial syndication through SIDBI covering term loans, foreign currency,

venture capital, lines of credit, equity assistance and on selective basis interest-free

loan to meet initial expenditure in the pre-technology absorption stage.

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Business Collaboration

The Bureau offers support to small enterprises for the export of technologies and the

products manufactured by them through business tie-ups as a part of the package. To

promote international cooperation amongst SMEs, the Bureau organises overseas visits

of business delegations.

Support Services

It arranges consultancy services, visits of overseas experts for in-plant counselling:

coordinates buyer–seller meets for specific product-process technologies and represents

the business interests of small enterprises in international events.

6.5 TOT RELATED DOCUMENTATION

6.5.1 Confidentiality Agreements

A confidentiality agreement is also known as a non-disclosure agreement. It is a contract

between two or more parties where the aim/subject of the agreement is a guarantee

that information transfer will be maintained in confidential/secrecy.

These agreements can be mutual or can be unilateral agreements. Mutual

confidentiality agreements are useful for inventor groups where both parties share

confidential information. On the other hand, unilateral confidentiality agreements,

are used when only one party is turning over confidential information, e.g. in the

innovation area to a prospective licensee.

These types of agreements are very much useful in TOT. The use of a confidentiality

agreement means that those who receive the information are obligated to maintain

the information in secret legally. The confidential agreements should be in writing.

However, while some court cases in some jurisdictions do allow oral creation of such

a confidential relationship but it is not recommended to rely on the oral confidential

agreement.