ABSTRACT
The structure of an alliance results in large part from the differences or similarities of the partners in size, financial capacity and strength of portfolio. Alliances are often aims to the three key areas of the business; research, development and commercial. Bilateral alliances offer companies the chance to access key technologies which they do not or cannot own. However, it may be that the joint steering committee itself adopts a position which the management one of the partners finds unacceptable and therefore puts it in conflict with its partner under the terms of the contract. A negotiated settlement is always preferable, and litigation should be the last resorts of any dispute resolution process. The conclusion of the contract was at one time the signal for business development to step out of the transaction and return to the market for more deals.
