What types of inventions are subject to NASA ownership contests?

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.

NASA ownership contests apply to specific types of inventions related to the agency’s mission. According to MPEP 2309, these contests cover:

“inventions having significant utility in aeronautical or space activity”

This is based on the authority granted by 42 U.S.C. 2457. Inventions that fall under this category and were made pursuant to a U.S. government contract with NASA may be subject to ownership claims by the agency. Inventors and patent applicants working on aerospace-related technologies should be particularly aware of these provisions.