This Participant Consent & Release Agreement (the “Agreement”) is by and between the below identified participant (the “Participant”) and Science and Technology Futures, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (d/b/a The Align Foundation), organizer of competitive protein engineering tournaments (the “Tournament Organizer”). YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE TOURNAMENT REQUIRES THAT YOU SCROLL TO REVIEW THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BELOW AND INDICATE YOUR ACCEPTANCE AND THE END OF THE DOCUMENT.
WHEREAS, the Tournament Organizer is conducting the 2025 Align Foundation Protein Engineering Tournament (the “Tournament”);
WHEREAS, a principal goal of the Tournament is to publish and otherwise make available to the public the Tournament-generated abstracts, code, datasets, methods and analysis generated by each Participant in and for the Tournament (the “Purpose”); and
WHEREAS, the Participant wishes to participate in the Tournament (as a team member, team PI, advisor, mentor, or in some other manner), which involves the development and use of data, methods, and other intellectual property in the field of biology and engineering;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the opportunity to participate in the Tournament, the Participant agrees as follows:
1. Consent to Participate
The Participant voluntarily consents to participate in the Tournament and agrees to comply with all Tournament rules, regulations, and guidelines as established by the Tournament Organizer. Participant hereby represents and agrees that Participant’s participation in the Tournament shall not violate the terms of any agreements between Participants and any third parties, including but not limited to, Participant’s employer or academic institution, as the case may be. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Tournament Organizer retains the right to modify or disqualify any project or research that fails to meet the Tournament’s standards or violates any of the ethical, safety, or intellectual property guidelines.
2. Intellectual Property
The Participant agrees that any and all datasets, methods, assays, analysis, and results generated in connection with Participant’s participation in the Tournament (“Outputs”) shall be the property of Tournament Organizer, and that Tournament Organizer may use such Outputs for the Purpose and any other lawful purpose. The Participant hereby assigns and agrees to assign all rights, title, and interest in such Outputs to the Tournament Organizer, including all copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual property rights. Participant understands and agrees that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Participant may pursue on Participant’s own behalf any novel designs, compositions of matter, inventions, processes, creations, software, or other intellectual property (collectively, “IP”) developed, conceived, or created during the course of the Tournament by the Participant (either individually or in collaboration with others) and that such IP shall be the exclusive property of the Participant. To the extent needed to pursue and perfect Participant’s interest into and to any such IP, Tournament Organizer hereby grants a non-exclusive license back to Participant to use Outputs for such purpose or any other lawful purpose. To the extent needed for Tournament Organizer to pursue the Purpose and otherwise exploit the Outputs, Participant hereby grants a non-exclusive license back Tournament Organizer to use IP for such Purpose or any other lawful purpose.
3. No Right to Compensation
The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Tournament Organizer is under no obligation to provide any form of compensation or remuneration to the Participant for the Outputs developed, nor for the Participant’s participation in the Tournament, except as may be specifically provided in the Tournament’s prize structure.
4. Release and Waiver of Liability
The Participant hereby releases, waives, and discharges the Tournament Organizer, its affiliates, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action, arising out of or in connection with the Participant’s participation in the Tournament, including those concerning any third-party intellectual property matters, personal injury, property damage, or loss.
5. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure
The Participant agrees to maintain confidentiality regarding any confidential information disclosed by the Tournament Organizer or other participants, unless otherwise authorized in writing. The Participant agrees not to disclose, use, or allow any third party to access any confidential information relating to the Tournament or its related activities. In particular, Participant hereby acknowledges and agrees that Outputs and other Tournament details are confidential until published by or on behalf of Tournament Organizer.
6. Use of Participant’s Name and Likeness
The Participant grants the Tournament Organizer the right to use their name, image, likeness, and any statements or testimonials made by the Participant for promotional, marketing, and advertising purposes related to the Tournament, without any further compensation, unless prohibited by law.
7. Compliance with Laws
The Participant agrees to comply with all applicable local, state, and national laws, rules, and regulations while participating in the Tournament. This Agreement shall be governed by California law.
8. Indemnification
The Participant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Tournament Organizer, its affiliates, officers, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all claims, damages, losses, and liabilities (including legal fees and costs) arising from or related to the Participant’s participation in the Tournament, the development and use of Outputs or IP, or any breach of this Agreement by the Participant.
9. Acknowledgement
The Participant acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this Agreement, and voluntarily agree to all terms and conditions outlined herein.
10. Acceptance of Agreement Terms and Conditions
By checking the button below, Participant hereby endorses and agrees to be legally bound by the foregoing terms and conditions concerning the Tournament.