3. Is there anything that could have been done to avert the problem of the researchers disagreeing?
Since the researchers knew that they were working on a technology that might have commercial applications, they probably should have discussed far in advance the different strategies they would take in developing their invention. The university could be of assistance here by getting the message out that any and all research done collaboratively should be preceded by early discussions and agreements about strategies for handling discoveries and inventions derived from collaborative research.