(a) There are exempted from the taxes imposed by this chapter items sold in connection with a joint research and development venture as defined by 15 U.S.C. § 4301 that are sold by the joint research and development venture to a participating entity, if the items are created, developed, or substantially modified by or for the joint research and development venture, including items developed as a result of research and/or development agreements entered into by the joint research and development venture with third parties.
(b) There are exempted from the taxes imposed by this chapter items purchased by, and to carry out the purpose of, a joint research and development venture, as defined by 15 U.S.C. § 4301, notice of whose establishment and participants was first published in the Federal Register on January 17, 1985, or May 19, 1988, if the items have a useful life in excess of six months when placed in service by the joint research and development venture.