Clients perceive them as evil. This is not necessarily true. Life is full of conflicts of interest. Some are unavoidable. Some can even be constructive.
Stereotypes are dangerous here.
A Research Organisation does not normally promise its Client a monogamous relationship. This isn't marriage after all. It's only a research project. A Research Organisation should be able to undertake projects for Clients in competition with each other. Obviously, the Research Organisation should not use one Client's intellectual property or confidential information for the benefit of another.