What are the procedures for handling DOE and NASA property rights statements in patent applications?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

Petitions relating to Department of Energy (DOE) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) property rights statements in patent applications are handled by the Director of the Technology Center who Oversees Licensing and Review.

As stated in MPEP 1002.02(c)(1):

• “Petitions relating to DOE property rights statements under 42 U.S.C. 2182, MPEP § 150.”
• “Petitions relating to NASA property rights statements under 42 U.S.C. 2457, MPEP § 150.”

For more detailed information on government interest in patents, including DOE and NASA property rights, refer to MPEP 150. These procedures ensure proper handling of inventions that may be subject to government rights due to federal funding or agency involvement.