Part 27 - Patents, Data, and Copyrights

27.000 Scope of part.

27.001 Definition.

Subpart 27.1 - General

27.101 Applicability.

27.102 General guidance.

Subpart 27.2 - Patents and Copyrights

27.200 Scope of subpart.

27.201 Patent and copyright infringement liability.

27.201-1 General.

27.201-2 Contract clauses.

27.202 Royalties.

27.202-1 Reporting of royalties.

27.202-2 Notice of Government as a licensee.

27.202-3 Adjustment of royalties.

27.202-4 Refund of royalties.

27.202-5 Solicitation provisions and contract clause.

27.203 Security requirements for patent applications containing classified subject matter.

27.203-1 General.

27.203-2 Contract clause.

27.204 Patented technology under trade agreements.

27.204-1 Use of patented technology under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

27.204-2 Use of patented technology under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

Subpart 27.3 - Patent Rights under Government Contracts

27.300 Scope of subpart.

27.301 Definitions.

27.302 Policy.
27.303 Contract clauses.

27.304 Procedures.

27.304-1 General.

27.304-2 Contracts placed by or for other Government agencies.

27.304-3 Subcontracts.

27.304-4 Appeals.

27.305 Administration of patent rights clauses.

27.305-1 Goals.

27.305-2 Administration by the Government.

27.305-3 Securing invention rights acquired by the Government.

27.305-4 Protection of invention disclosures.

27.306 Licensing background patent rights to third parties.

Subpart 27.4 - Rights in Data and Copyrights

27.400 Scope of subpart.

27.401 Definitions.

27.402 Policy.

27.403 Data rights-General.

27.404 Basic rights in data clause.

27.404-1 Unlimited rights data.

27.404-2 Limited rights data and restricted computer software.

27.404-3 Copyrighted works.

27.404-4 Contractor’s release, publication, and use of data.

27.404-5 Unauthorized, omitted, or incorrect markings.

27.404-6 Inspection of data at the contractor’s facility.

27.405 Other data rights provisions.

27.405-1 Special works.

27.405-2 Existing works.

27.405-3 Commercial computer software.
27.405-4 Other existing data.

27.406 Acquisition of data.

27.406-1 General.

27.406-2 Additional data requirements.

27.406-3 Major system acquisition.

27.407 Rights to technical data in successful proposals.

27.408 Cosponsored research and development activities.

27.409 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

Subpart 27.5 - Foreign License and Technical Assistance Agreements

27.501 General.

Parent topic: Federal Acquisition Regulation

27.000 Scope of part.

This part prescribes the policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses pertaining

to patents, data, and copyrights.

27.001 Definition.

United States, as used in this part, means the 50 States and the District of Columbia, U.S. territories

and possessions, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Subpart 27.1 - General

27.101 Applicability.

This part applies to all agencies. However, agencies are authorized to adopt alternative policies,

procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses to the extent necessary to meet the specific

requirements of laws, executive orders, treaties, or international agreements. Any agency adopting

alternative policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses should include them in

the agency’s published regulations.

27.102 General guidance.

(a) The Government encourages the maximum practical commercial use of inventions made under

Government contracts.
(b) Generally, the Government will not refuse to award a contract on the grounds that the

prospective contractor may infringe a patent. The Government may authorize and consent to the use

of inventions in the performance of certain contracts, even though the inventions may be covered by

U.S. patents.

(c) Generally, contractors providing commercial products and commercial services should indemnify

the Government against liability for the infringement of U.S. patents.

(d) The Government recognizes rights in data developed at private expense, and limits its demands

for delivery of that data. When such data is delivered, the Government will acquire only those rights

essential to its needs.

(e) Generally, the Government requires that contractors obtain permission from copyright owners

before including copyrighted works, owned by others, in data to be delivered to the Government.

Subpart 27.2 - Patents and Copyrights

27.200 Scope of subpart.

This subpart prescribes policies and procedures with respect to-

(a) Patent and copyright infringement liability;

(b) Royalties;

(c) Security requirements for patent applications containing classified subject matter; and

(d) Patented technology under trade agreements.

27.201 Patent and copyright infringement liability.

27.201-1 General.

(a) Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1498, the exclusive remedy for patent or copyright infringement by or on

behalf of the Government is a suit for monetary damages against the Government in the Court of

Federal Claims. There is no injunctive relief available, and there is no direct cause of action against

a contractor that is infringing a patent or copyright with the authorization or consent of the

Government (e.g., while performing a contract).

(b) The Government may expressly authorize and consent to a contractor’s use or manufacture of

inventions covered by U.S. patents by inserting the clause at 52.227-1, Authorization and Consent.

(c) Because of the exclusive remedies granted in 28 U.S.C. 1498, the Government requires notice

and assistance from its contractors regarding any claims for patent or copyright infringement by

inserting the clause at 52.227-2, Notice and Assistance, Regarding Patent and Copyright

Infringement.

(d) The Government may require a contractor to reimburse it for liability for patent infringement
arising out of a contract for commercial products or commercial services by inserting the clause at

52.227-3, Patent Indemnity.

27.201-2 Contract clauses.

(a)

(1) Insert the clause at 52.227-1, Authorization and Consent, in solicitations and contracts except

that use of the clause is-

(i) Optional when using simplified acquisition procedures; and

(ii) Prohibited when both complete performance and delivery are outside the United States.

(2) Use the clause with its Alternate I in all R&D solicitations and contracts for which the primary

purpose is R&D work, except that this alternate shall not be used in construction and architectengineer contracts unless the contract calls exclusively for R&D work.

(3) Use the clause with its Alternate II in solicitations and contracts for communication services with

a common carrier and the services are unregulated and not priced by a tariff schedule set by a

regulatory body.

(b) Insert the clause at 52.227-2, Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright

Infringement, in all solicitations and contracts that include the clause at 52.227-1, Authorization and

Consent.

(c)

(1) Insert the clause at 52.227-3, Patent Indemnity, in solicitations and contracts that may result in

the delivery of commercial products or the provision of commercial services unless-

(i) part 12 procedures are used;

(ii) The simplified acquisition procedures of part 13 are used;

(iii) Both complete performance and delivery are outside the United States; or

(iv) The contracting officer determines after consultation with legal counsel that omission of the

clause would be consistent with commercial practice.

(2) Use the clause with either its Alternate I (identification of excluded items) or II (identification of

included items) if-

(i) The contract also requires delivery of items that are not commercial products or the provision of

services that are not commercial services; or

(ii) The contracting officer determines after consultation with legal counsel that limitation of

applicability of the clause would be consistent with commercial practice.

(3) Use the clause with its Alternate III if the solicitation or contract is for communication services
and facilities where performance is by a common carrier, and the services are unregulated and are

not priced by a tariff schedule set by a regulatory body.

(d)

(1) Insert the clause at 52.227-4, Patent Indemnity-Construction Contracts, in solicitations and

contracts for construction or that are fixed-price for dismantling, demolition, or removal of

improvements. Do not insert the clause in contracts solely for architect-engineer services.

(2) If the contracting officer determines that the construction will necessarily involve the use of

structures, products, materials, equipment, processes, or methods that are nonstandard,

noncommercial, or special, the contracting officer may expressly exclude them from the patent

indemnification by using the clause with its Alternate I. Note that this exclusion is for items, as

distinguished from identified patents (see paragraph (e) of this subsection).

(e) It may be in the Government’s interest to exempt specific U.S. patents from the patent indemnity

clause. Exclusion from indemnity of identified patents, as distinguished from items, is the

prerogative of the agency head. Upon written approval of the agency head, the contracting officer

may insert the clause at 52.227-5, Waiver of Indemnity, in solicitations and contracts in addition to

the appropriate patent indemnity clause.

(f) If a patent indemnity clause is not prescribed, the contracting officer may include one in the

solicitation and contract if it is in the Government’s interest to do so.

(g) The contracting officer shall not include in any solicitation or contract any clause whereby the

Government agrees to indemnify a contractor for patent infringement.

27.202 Royalties.

27.202-1 Reporting of royalties.

(a) To determine whether royalties anticipated or actually paid under Government contracts are

excessive, improper, or inconsistent with Government patent rights the solicitation provision at

52.227-6 requires prospective contractors to furnish royalty information. The contracting officer

shall take appropriate action to reduce or eliminate excessive or improper royalties.

(b) If the response to a solicitation includes a charge for royalties, the contracting officer shall,

before award of the contract, forward the information to the office having cognizance of patent

matters for the contracting activity. The cognizant office shall promptly advise the contracting

officer of appropriate action.

(c) The contracting officer, when considering the approval of a subcontract, shall require royalty

information if it is required under the prime contract. The contracting officer shall forward the

information to the office having cognizance of patent matters. However, the contracting officer need

not delay consent while awaiting advice from the cognizant office.

(d) The contracting officer shall forward any royalty reports to the office having cognizance of patent

matters for the contracting activity.
27.202-2 Notice of Government as a licensee.

(a) When the Government is obligated to pay a royalty on a patent because of an existing license

agreement and the contracting officer believes that the licensed patent will be applicable to a

prospective contract, the Government should furnish the prospective offerors with-

(1) Notice of the license;

(2) The number of the patent; and

(3) The royalty rate cited in the license.

(b) When the Government is obligated to pay such a royalty, the solicitation should also require

offerors to furnish information indicating whether or not each offeror is the patent owner or a

licensee under the patent. This information is necessary so that the Government may either-

(1) Evaluate an offeror’s price by adding an amount equal to the royalty; or

(2) Negotiate a price reduction with an offeror when the offeror is licensed under the same patent at

a lower royalty rate.

27.202-3 Adjustment of royalties.

(a) If at any time the contracting officer believes that any royalties paid, or to be paid, under a

contract or subcontract are inconsistent with Government rights, excessive, or otherwise improper,

the contracting officer shall promptly report the facts to the office having cognizance of patent

matters for the contracting activity concerned.

(b) In coordination with the cognizant office, the contracting officer shall promptly act to protect the

Government against payment of royalties-

(1) With respect to which the Government has a royalty-free license;

(2) At a rate in excess of the rate at which the Government is licensed; or

(3) When the royalties in whole or in part otherwise constitute an improper charge.

(c) In appropriate cases, the contracting officer in coordination with the cognizant office shall

demand a refund pursuant to any refund of royalties clause in the contract (see 27.202-4) or

negotiate for a reduction of royalties.

(d) For guidance in evaluating information furnished pursuant to 27.202-1, see 31.205-37. See also

31.109 regarding advance understandings on particular cost items, including royalties.

27.202-4 Refund of royalties.

The clause at 52.227-9, Refund of Royalties, establishes procedures to pay the contractor royalties

under the contract and recover royalties not paid by the contractor when the royalties were included

in the contractor’s fixed price.
27.202-5 Solicitation provisions and contract clause.

(a)

(1) Insert a solicitation provision substantially the same as the provision at 52.227-6, Royalty

Information, in-

(i) Any solicitation that may result in a negotiated contract for which royalty information is desired

and for which certified cost or pricing data are obtained under 15.403; or

(ii) Sealed bid solicitations only if the need for such information is approved at a level above the

contracting officer as being necessary for proper protection of the Government’s interests.

(2) If the solicitation is for communication services and facilities by a common carrier, use the

provision with its Alternate I.

(b) If the Government is obligated to pay a royalty on a patent involved in the prospective contract,

insert in the solicitation a provision substantially the same as the provision at 52.227-7, PatentsNotice of Government Licensee. If the clause at 52.227-6 is not included in the solicitation, the

contracting officer may require offerors to provide information sufficient to provide this notice to the

other offerors.

(c) Insert the clause at 52.227-9, Refund of Royalties, in negotiated fixed-price solicitations and

contracts when royalties may be paid under the contract. If a fixed-price incentive contract is

contemplated, change "price" to "target cost and target profit" wherever it appears in the clause.

The clause may be used in cost-reimbursement contracts where agency approval of royalties is

necessary to protect the Government’s interests.

27.203 Security requirements for patent applications containing classified

subject matter.

27.203-1 General.

(a) Unauthorized disclosure of classified subject matter, whether in patent applications or resulting

from the issuance of a patent, may be a violation of 18 U.S.C. 792, et seq. (Chapter 37-Espionage

and Censorship), and related statutes, and may be contrary to the interests of national security.

(b) Upon receipt of a patent application under paragraph (a) or (b) of the clause at 52.227-10, Filing

of Patent Applications-Classified Subject Matter, the contracting officer shall ascertain the proper

security classification of the patent application. If the application contains classified subject matter,

the contracting officer shall inform the contractor how to transmit the application to the United

States Patent Office in accordance with procedures provided by legal counsel. If the material is

classified "Secret" or higher, the contracting officer shall make every effort to notify the contractor

within 30 days of the Government’s determination, pursuant to paragraph (a) of the clause.

(c) Upon receipt of information furnished by the contractor under paragraph (d) of the clause at

52.227-10, the contracting officer shall promptly submit that information to legal counsel in order

that the steps necessary to ensure the security of the application will be taken.
(d) The contracting officer shall act promptly on requests for approval of foreign filing under

paragraph (c) of the clause at 52.227-10 in order to avoid the loss of valuable patent rights of the

Government or the contractor.

27.203-2 Contract clause.

Insert the clause at 52.227-10, Filing of Patent Applications-Classified Subject Matter, in all

classified solicitations and contracts and in all solicitations and contracts where the nature of the

work reasonably might result in a patent application containing classified subject matter.

27.204 Patented technology under trade agreements.

27.204-1 Use of patented technology under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

When questions arise with regard to use of patented technology under the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement, the contracting officer should consult with legal counsel. Note that Article

20.6(a) of the Agreement discusses public health and pharmaceuticals.

27.204-2 Use of patented technology under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

(GATT).

Article 31 of Annex 1 C, Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, to

GATT (Uruguay Round) addresses situations where the law of a member country allows for use of a

patent without authorization, including use by the Government. Article 20.40 of the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement preserves parties' rights under Article 31.

Subpart 27.3 - Patent Rights under Government Contracts

27.300 Scope of subpart.

This subpart prescribes policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses pertaining

to inventions made in the performance of work under a Government contract or subcontract for

experimental, developmental, or research work. Agency policies, procedures, solicitation provisions,

and contract clauses may be specified in agency supplemental regulations as permitted by law,

including 37 CFR 401.1.

27.301 Definitions.

As used in this subpartInvention means any invention or discovery that is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable

under title 35 of the U.S. Code, or any variety of plant that is or may be protectable under the Plant
Variety Protection Act (7 U.S .C. 2321, et seq.)

Made means-

(1) When used in relation to any invention other than a plant variety, means the conception or first

actual reduction to practice of the invention; or

(2) When used in relation to a plant variety, means that the contractor has at least tentatively

determined that the variety has been reproduced with recognized characteristics.

Nonprofit organization means a university or other institution of higher education or an organization

of the type described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 501(c))

and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U. S.C. 501(a)), or

any nonprofit scientific or educational organization qualified under a State nonprofit organization

statute.

Practical application means to manufacture, in the case of a composition or product; to practice, in

the case of a process or method; or to operate, in the case of a machine or system; and, in each case,

under such conditions as to establish that the invention is being utilized and that its benefits are, to

the extent permitted by law or Government regulations, available to the public on reasonable terms.

Subject invention means any invention of the contractor made in the performance of work under a

Government contract.

27.302 Policy.

(a) Introduction. In accordance with chapter 18 of title 35, U.S.C. (as implemented by 37 CFR part

401), Presidential Memorandum on Government Patent Policy to the Heads of Executive

Departments and Agencies dated February 18, 1983, and Executive Order 12591, Facilitating Access

to Science and Technology dated April 10, 1987, it is the policy and objective of the Government to-

(1) Use the patent system to promote the use of inventions arising from federally supported research

or development;

(2) Encourage maximum participation of industry in federally supported research and development

efforts;

(3) Ensure that these inventions are used in a manner to promote free competition and enterprise

without unduly encumbering future research and discovery;

(4) Promote the commercialization and public availability of the inventions made in the United

States by United States industry and labor;

(5) Ensure that the Government obtains sufficient rights in federally supported inventions to meet

the needs of the Government and protect the public against nonuse or unreasonable use of

inventions; and

(6) Minimize the costs of administering patent policies.

(b) Contractor right to elect title.
(1) Generally, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 202 and the Presidential Memorandum and Executive order

cited in paragraph (a) of this section, each contractor may, after required disclosure to the

Government, elect to retain title to any subject invention.

(2) A contract may require the contractor to assign to the Government title to any subject invention-

(i) When the contractor is not located in the United States or does not have a place of business

located in the United States or is subject to the control of a foreign government (see 27.303(e)(1)(i));

(ii) In exceptional circumstances, when an agency determines that restriction or elimination of the

right to retain title in any subject invention will better promote the policy and objectives of chapter

18 of title 35, U.S.C. and the Presidential Memorandum;

(iii) When a Government authority, that is authorized by statute or executive order to conduct

foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities, determines that the restriction or elimination of

the right to retain title to any subject invention is necessary to protect the security of such activities;

(iv) When the contract includes the operation of a Government-owned, contractor-operated facility of

the Department of Energy (DOE) primarily dedicated to the Department’s naval nuclear propulsion

or weapons related programs and all funding agreement limitations under 35 U. S.C. 202(a)(iv) for

agreements with small business concerns and nonprofit organizations are limited to inventions

occurring under the above two programs; or

(v) Pursuant to statute or in accordance with agency regulations.

(3) When the Government has the right to acquire title to a subject invention, the contractor may,

nevertheless, request greater rights to a subject invention (see 27.304-1(c)).

(4) Consistent with 37 CFR part 401, when a contract with a small business concern or nonprofit

organization requires assignment of title to the Government based on the exceptional circumstances

enumerated in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) or (iii) of this section for reasons of national security, the contract

shall still provide the contractor with the right to elect ownership to any subject invention that-

(i) Is not classified by the agency; or

(ii) Is not limited from dissemination by the DOE within 6 months from the date it is reported to the

agency.

(5) Contracts in support of DOE’s naval nuclear propulsion program are exempted from this

paragraph (b).

(6) When a contract involves a series of separate task orders, an agency may structure the contract

to apply the exceptions at paragraph (b)(2)(ii) or (iii) of this section to individual task orders.

(c) Government license. The Government shall have at least a nonexclusive, nontransferable,

irrevocable, paid-up license to practice, or have practiced for or on behalf of the United States, any

subject invention throughout the world. The Government may require additional rights in order to

comply with treaties or other international agreements. In such case, these rights shall be made a

part of the contract (see 27.303).

(d) Government right to receive title.
(1) In addition to the right to obtain title to subject inventions pursuant to paragraph (b)(2)(i)

through (v) of this section, the Government has the right to receive title to an invention-

(i) If the contractor has not disclosed the invention within the time specified in the clause; or

(ii) In any country where the contractor-

(A) Does not elect to retain rights or fails to elect to retain rights to the invention within the time

specified in the clause;

(B) Has not filed a patent or plant variety protection application within the time specified in the

clause;

(C) Decides not to continue prosecution of a patent or plant variety protection application, pay

maintenance fees, or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on the patent; or

(D) No longer desires to retain title.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph, filing in a European Patent Office Region or under the Patent

Cooperation Treaty constitutes election in the countries selected in the application(s).

(e) Utilization reports. The Government has the right to require periodic reporting on how any

subject invention is being used by the contractor or its licensees or assignees. In accordance with 35

U. S.C. 202(c)(5) and 37 CFR part 401, agencies shall not disclose such utilization reports to persons

outside the Government without permission of the contractor. Contractors should mark as

confidential/proprietary any utilization report to help prevent inadvertent release outside the

Government.

(f) March-in rights.

(1) Pursuant to 35 U .S.C. 203, agencies have certain march-in rights that require the contractor, an

assignee, or exclusive licensee of a subject invention to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or

exclusive license in any field of use to responsible applicants, upon terms that are reasonable under

the circumstances. If the contractor, assignee or exclusive licensee of a subject invention refuses to

grant such a license, the agency can grant the license itself. March-in rights may be exercised only if

the agency determines that this action is necessary-

(i) Because the contractor or assignee has not taken, or is not expected to take within a reasonable

time, effective steps to achieve practical application of the subject invention in the field(s) of use;

(ii) To alleviate health or safety needs that are not reasonably satisfied by the contractor, assignee,

or their licensees;

(iii) To meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations and these requirements

are not reasonably satisfied by the contractor, assignee, or licensees; or

(iv) Because the agreement required by paragraph (g) of this section has neither been obtained nor

waived, or because a licensee of the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United

States is in breach of its agreement obtained pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section.

(2) The agency shall not exercise its march-in rights unless the contractor has been provided a

reasonable time to present facts and show cause why the proposed agency action should not be
taken. The agency shall provide the contractor an opportunity to dispute or appeal the proposed

action, in accordance with 27.304-1(g).

(g) Preference for United States industry. In accordance with 35 U. S.C. 204, no contractor that

receives title to any subject invention and no assignee of the contractor shall grant to any person the

exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States unless that person agrees

that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject

invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States. However, in individual cases, the

requirement for this agreement may be waived by the agency upon a showing by the contractor or

assignee that reasonable but unsuccessful efforts have been made to grant licenses on similar terms

to potential licensees that would be likely to manufacture substantially in the United States or that

under the circumstances domestic manufacture is not commercially feasible.

(h) Special conditions for nonprofit organizations’ preference for small business concerns.

(1) Nonprofit organization contractors are expected to use reasonable efforts to attract small

business licensees (see paragraph (i)(4) of the clause at 52.227-11, Patent Rights-Ownership by the

Contractor). What constitutes reasonable efforts to attract small business licensees will vary with

the circumstances and the nature, duration, and expense of efforts needed to bring the invention to

the market.

(2) Small business concerns that believe a nonprofit organization is not meeting its obligations under

the clause may report the matter to the Secretary of Commerce. To the extent deemed appropriate,

the Secretary of Commerce will undertake informal investigation of the matter, and may discuss or

negotiate with the nonprofit organization ways to improve its efforts to meet its obligations under

the clause. However, in no event will the Secretary of Commerce intervene in ongoing negotiations

or contractor decisions concerning the licensing of a specific subject invention. These investigations,

discussions, and negotiations involving the Secretary of Commerce will be in coordination with other

interested agencies, including the Small Business Administration. In the case of a contract for the

operation of a Government-owned, contractor-operated research or production facility, the Secretary

of Commerce will coordinate with the agency responsible for the facility prior to any discussions or

negotiations with the contractor.

(i) Minimum rights to contractor.

(1) When the Government acquires title to a subject invention, the contractor is normally granted a

revocable, nonexclusive, paid-up license to that subject invention throughout the world. The

contractor’s license extends to any of its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates within the corporate

structure of which the contractor is a part and includes the right to grant sublicenses to the extent

the contractor was legally obligated to do so at the time of contract award. The contracting officer

shall approve or disapprove, in writing, any contractor request to transfer its licenses. No approval

is necessary when the transfer is to the successor of that part of the contractor’s business to which

the subject invention pertains.

(2) In response to a third party’s proper application for an exclusive license, the contractor’s

domestic license may be revoked or modified to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical

application of the subject invention. The application shall be submitted in accordance with the

applicable provisions in 37 CFR part 404 and agency licensing regulations. The contractor’s license

will not be revoked in that field of use or the geographical areas in which the contractor has

achieved practical application and continues to make the benefits of the subject invention
reasonably accessible to the public. The license in any foreign country may be revoked or modified

to the extent the contractor, its licensees, or its domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have failed to

achieve practical application in that country. (See the procedures at 27.304-1(f).)

(j) Confidentiality of inventions. Publishing information concerning an invention before a patent

application is filed on a subject invention may create a bar to a valid patent. To avoid this bar,

agencies may withhold information from the public that discloses any invention in which the

Government owns or may own a right, title, or interest (including a nonexclusive license) (see 35 U.

S.C. 205 and 37 CFR part 401). Agencies may only withhold information concerning inventions for a

reasonable time in order for a patent application to be filed. Once filed in any patent office, agencies

are not required to release copies of any document that is a part of a patent application for those

subject inventions. (See also 27.305-4.)

27.303 Contract clauses.

(a)

(1) Insert a patent rights clause in all solicitations and contracts for experimental, developmental, or

research work as prescribed in this section.

(2) This section also applies to solicitations or contracts for construction work or architect-engineer

services that include-

(i) Experimental, developmental, or research work;

(ii) Test and evaluation studies; or

(iii) The design of a Government facility that may involve novel structures, machines, products,

materials, processes, or equipment (including construction equipment).

(3) The contracting officer shall not include a patent rights clause in solicitations or contracts for

construction work or architect-engineer services that call for or can be expected to involve only

"standard types of construction" "Standard types of construction" are those involving previously

developed equipment, methods, and processes and in which the distinctive features include only-

(i) Variations in size, shape, or capacity of conventional structures; or

(ii) Purely artistic or aesthetic (as distinguished from functionally significant) architectural

configurations and designs of both structural and nonstructural members or groupings, whether or

not they qualify for design patent protection.

(b)

(1) Unless an alternative patent rights clause is used in accordance with paragraph (c), (d), or (e) of

this section, insert the clause at 52.227-11, Patent Rights-Ownership by the Contractor.

(2) To the extent the information is not required elsewhere in the contract, and unless otherwise

specified by agency supplemental regulations, the contracting officer may modify 52.227-11(e) or

otherwise supplement the clause to require the contractor to do one or more of the following:
(i) Provide periodic (but not more frequently than annually) listings of all subject inventions required

to be disclosed during the period covered by the report.

(ii) Provide a report prior to the closeout of the contract listing all subject inventions or stating that

there were none.

(iii) Provide the filing date, serial number, title, patent number and issue date for any patent

application filed on any subject invention in any country or, upon request, copies of any patent

application so identified.

(iv) Furnish the Government an irrevocable power to inspect and make copies of the patent

application file when a Government employee is a co-inventor.

(3) Use the clause with its Alternate I if the Government must grant a foreign government a

sublicense in subject inventions pursuant to a specified treaty or executive agreement. The

contracting officer may modify Alternate I, if the agency head determines, at contract award, that it

would be in the national interest to sublicense foreign governments or international organizations

pursuant to any existing or future treaty or agreement. When necessary to effectuate a treaty or

agreement, Alternate I may be appropriately modified.

(4) Use the clause with its Alternate II in contracts that may be affected by existing or future treaties

or agreements.

(5) Use the clause with its Alternate III in contracts with nonprofit organizations for the operation of

a Government-owned facility.

(6) If the contract is for the operation of a Government-owned facility, the contracting officer may

use the clause with its Alternate IV.

(7) If the contract is for the performance of services at a Government owned and operated

laboratory or at a Government owned and contractor operated laboratory directed by the

Government to fulfill the Government’s obligations under a Cooperative Research and Development

Agreement (CRADA) authorized by 15 U. S.C. 3710a, the contracting officer may use the clause with

its Alternate V. Since this provision is considered an exercise of an agency’s "exceptional

circumstances" authority, the contracting officer must comply with 37 CFR 401.3(e) and 401.4.

(c) Insert a patent rights clause in accordance with the procedures at 27.304-2 if the solicitation or

contract is being placed on behalf of another Government agency.

(d) Insert a patent rights clause in accordance with agency procedures if the solicitation or contract

is for DoD, DOE, or NASA, and the contractor is other than a small business concern or nonprofit

organization.

(e)

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, and after compliance with the applicable

procedures in 27.304-1(b), the contracting officer may insert the clause at 52.227-13, Patent RightsOwnership by the Government, or a clause prescribed by agency supplemental regulations, if-

(i) The contractor is not located in the United States or does not have a place of business located in

the United States or is subject to the control of a foreign government;
(ii) There are exceptional circumstances and the agency head determines that restriction or

elimination of the right to retain title to any subject invention will better promote the policy and

objectives of chapter 18 of title 35 of the United States Code;

(iii) A Government authority that is authorized by statute or executive order to conduct foreign

intelligence or counterintelligence activities, determines that restriction or elimination of the right

to retain any subject invention is necessary to protect the security of such activities; or

(iv) The contract includes the operation of a Government-owned, contractor-operated facility of DOE

primarily dedicated to that Department’s naval nuclear propulsion or weapons related programs.

(2) If an agency exercises the exceptions at paragraph (e)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this section in a contract

with a small business concern or a nonprofit organization, the contracting officer shall use the

clause at 52.227-11 with only those modifications necessary to address the exceptional

circumstances and shall include in the modified clause greater rights determinations procedures

equivalent to those at 52.227-13(b)(2).

(3) When using the clause at 52.227-13, Patent Rights-Ownership by the Government, the

contracting officer may supplement the clause to require the contractor to-

(i) Furnish a copy of each subcontract containing a patent rights clause (but if a copy of a

subcontract is furnished under another clause, a duplicate shall not be requested under the patent

rights clause);

(ii) Submit interim and final invention reports listing subject inventions and notifying the contracting

officer of all subcontracts awarded for experimental, developmental, or research work;

(iii) Provide the filing date, serial number, title, patent number, and issue date for any patent

application filed on any subject invention in any country or, upon specific request, copies of any

patent application so identified; and

(iv) Submit periodic reports on the utilization of a subject invention.

(4) Use the clause at 52.227-13 with its Alternate I if-

(i) The Government must grant a foreign government a sublicense in subject inventions pursuant to

a treaty or executive agreement; or

(ii) The agency head determines, at contract award, that it would be in the national interest to

sublicense foreign governments or international organizations pursuant to any existing or future

treaty or agreement. If other rights are necessary to effectuate any treaty or agreement, Alternate I

may be appropriately modified.

(5) Use the clause at 52.227-13 with its Alternate II in the contract when necessary to effectuate an

existing or future treaty or agreement.

27.304 Procedures.

27.304-1 General.

(a) Status as small business concern or nonprofit organization. If an agency has reason to question
the size or nonprofit status of the prospective contractor, the agency may require the prospective

contractor to furnish evidence of its nonprofit status or may file a size protest in accordance with

FAR 19.302.

(b) Exceptions.

(1) Before using any of the exceptions under 27.303(e)(1) in a contract with a small business concern

or a nonprofit organization and before using the exception of 27.303(e)(1)(ii) for any contractor, the

agency shall follow the applicable procedures at 37 CFR 401.

(2) A small business concern or nonprofit organization is entitled to an administrative review of the

use of the exceptions at 27.303(e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(iv) in accordance with agency procedures and

37 CFR part 401.

(c) Greater rights determinations. Whenever the contract contains the clause at 52.227-13, Patent

Rights-Ownership by the Government, or a patent rights clause modified pursuant to 27.303(e)(2),

the contractor (or an employee-inventor of the contractor after consultation with the contractor) may

request greater rights to an identified invention within the period specified in the clause. The

contracting officer may grant requests for greater rights if the contracting officer determines that

the interests of the United States and the general public will be better served. In making these

determinations, the contracting officer shall consider at least the following objectives (see 37 CFR

401.3(b) and 401.15):

(1) Promoting the utilization of inventions arising from federally supported research and

development.

(2) Ensuring that inventions are used in a manner to promote full and open competition and free

enterprise without unduly encumbering future research and discovery.

(3) Promoting public availability of inventions made in the United States by United States industry

and labor.

(4) Ensuring that the Government obtains sufficient rights in federally supported inventions to meet

the needs of the Government and protect the public against nonuse or unreasonable use of

inventions.

(d) Retention of rights by inventor. If the contractor elects not to retain title to a subject invention,

the agency may consider and, after consultation with the contractor, grant requests for retention of

rights by the inventor. Retention of rights by the inventor will be subject to the conditions in

paragraphs (d) (except paragraph (d)(1)(i)), (e)(4), (f), (g), and (h) of the clause at 52.227-11, Patent

Rights-Ownership by the Contractor.

(e) Government assignment to contractor of rights in Government employees’ inventions. When a

Government employee is a co-inventor of an invention made under a contract with a small business

concern or nonprofit organization, the agency employing the co-inventor may license or assign

whatever rights it may acquire in the subject invention from its employee to the contractor, subject

at least to the conditions of 35 U.S. C. 202-204.

(f) Revocation or modification of contractor’s minimum rights. Before revoking or modifying the

contractor’s license in accordance with 27.302(i)(2), the contracting officer shall furnish the

contractor a written notice of intention to revoke or modify the license. The agency shall allow the

contractor at least 30 days (or another time as may be authorized for good cause by the contracting
officer) after the notice to show cause why the license should not be revoked or modified. The

contractor has the right to appeal, in accordance with applicable regulations in 37 CFR part 404 and

agency licensing regulations, any decisions concerning the revocation or modification.

(g) Exercise of march-in rights. When exercising march-in rights, agencies shall follow the

procedures set forth in 37 CFR 401.6.

(h) Licenses and assignments under contracts with nonprofit organizations. If the contractor is a

nonprofit organization, paragraph (i) of the clause at 52.227-11 provides that certain contractor

actions require agency approval.

27.304-2 Contracts placed by or for other Government agencies.

The following procedures apply unless an interagency agreement provides otherwise:

(a) When a Government agency requests another Government agency to award a contract on its

behalf, the request should explain any special circumstances surrounding the contract and specify

the patent rights clause to be used. The clause should be selected and modified, if necessary, in

accordance with the policies and procedures of this subpart. If, however, the request states that a

clause of the requesting agency is required (e.g., because of statutory requirements, a deviation, or

exceptional circumstances), the awarding agency shall use that clause rather than those of this

subpart.

(1) If the request states that an agency clause is required and the work to be performed under the

contract is not severable and is funded wholly or in part by the requesting agency, then include the

requesting agency clause and no other patent rights clause in the contract.

(2) If the request states that an agency clause is required, and the work to be performed under the

contract is severable, then the contracting officer shall assure that the requesting agency clause

applies only to that severable portion of the work and that the work for the awarding agency is

subject to the appropriate patent rights clause.

(3) If the request states that a requesting agency clause is not required in any resulting contract, the

awarding agency shall use the appropriate patent rights clause, if any.

(b) Any action requiring an agency determination, report, or deviation involved in the use of the

requesting agency’s clause is the responsibility of the requesting agency unless the agencies agree

otherwise. However, the awarding agency may not alter the requesting agency’s clause without

prior approval of the requesting agency.

(c) The requesting agency may require, and provide instructions regarding, the forwarding or

handling of any invention disclosures or other reporting requirements of the specified clauses.

Normally, the requesting agency is responsible for the administration of any subject inventions. This

responsibility shall be established in advance of awarding any contracts.

27.304-3 Subcontracts.

(a) The policies and procedures in this subpart apply to all subcontracts at any tier.

(b) Whenever a prime contractor or a subcontractor considers including a particular clause in a
subcontract to be inappropriate or a subcontractor refuses to accept the clause, the contracting

officer, in consultation with counsel, shall resolve the matter.

(c) It is Government policy that contractors shall not use their ability to award subcontracts as

economic leverage to acquire rights for themselves in inventions resulting from subcontracts.

27.304-4 Appeals.

(a) The designated agency official shall provide the contractor with a written statement of the basis,

including any relevant facts, for taking any of the following actions:

(1) A refusal to grant an extension to the invention disclosure period under paragraph (c)(4) of the

clause at 52.227-11;

(2) A demand for a conveyance of title to the Government under 27.302(d)(1)(i) and (ii);

(3) A refusal to grant a waiver under 27.302(g), Preference for United States industry; or

(4) A refusal to approve an assignment under 27.304-1(h).

(b) Each agency may establish and publish procedures under which any of these actions may be

appealed. These appeal procedures should include administrative due process procedures and

standards for fact-finding. The resolution of any appeal shall consider both the factual and legal

basis for the action and its consistency with the policy and objectives of 35 U.S.C. 200-206 and 2 10.

(c) To the extent that any of the actions described in paragraph (a) of this section are subject to

appeal under the Contract Disputes statute, the procedures under that statute will satisfy the

requirements of paragraph (b).

27.305 Administration of patent rights clauses.

27.305-1 Goals.

(a) Contracts having a patent rights clause should be so administered that-

(1) Inventions are identified, disclosed, and reported as required by the contract, and elections are

made;

(2) The rights of the Government in subject inventions are established;

(3) When patent protection is appropriate, patent applications are timely filed and prosecuted by

contractors or by the Government;

(4) The rights of the Government in filed patent applications are documented by formal instruments

such as licenses or assignments; and

(5) Expeditious commercial utilization of subject inventions is achieved.

(b) If a subject invention is made under a contract funded by more than one agency, at the request of

the contractor or on their own initiative, the agencies shall designate one agency as responsible for
administration of the rights of the Government in the invention.

27.305-2 Administration by the Government.

(a) Agencies should establish and maintain appropriate follow-up procedures to protect the

Government’s interest and to check that subject inventions are identified and disclosed, and when

appropriate, patent applications are filed, and that the Government’s rights therein are established

and protected. Follow-up activities for contracts that include a clause referenced in 27.304-2 should

be coordinated with the appropriate agency.

(b)

(1) The contracting officer administering the contract (or other representative specifically

designated in the contract for this purpose) is responsible for receiving invention disclosures,

reports, confirmatory instruments, notices, requests, and other documents and information

submitted by the contractor pursuant to a patent rights clause.

(i) For other than confirmatory instruments, if the contractor fails to furnish documents or

information as called for by the clause within the time required, the contracting officer shall

promptly request the contractor to supply the required documents or information. If the failure

persists, the contracting officer shall take appropriate action to secure compliance.

(ii) If the contractor does not furnish confirmatory instruments within 6 months after filing each

patent application, or within 6 months after submitting the invention disclosure if the application has

been previously filed, the contracting officer shall request the contractor to supply the required

documents.

(2) The contracting officer shall promptly furnish all invention disclosures, reports, confirmatory

instruments, notices, requests, and other documents and information relating to patent rights

clauses to legal counsel.

(c) Contracting activities should establish appropriate procedures to detect and correct failures by

the contractor to comply with its obligations under the patent rights clauses, such as failures to

disclose and report subject inventions, both during and after contract performance. Government

effort to review and correct contractor compliance with its patent rights obligations should be

directed primarily toward contracts that are more likely to result in subject inventions significant in

number or quality. These contracts include contracts of a research, developmental, or experimental

nature; contracts of a large dollar amount; and any other contracts when there is reason to believe

the contractor may not be complying with its contractual obligations. Other contracts may be

reviewed using a spot-check method, as feasible. Appropriate follow-up procedures and activities

may include the investigation or review of selected contracts or contractors by those qualified in

patent and technical matters to detect failures to comply with contract obligations.

(d) Follow-up activities should include, where appropriate, use of Government patent personnel-

(1) To interview agency technical personnel to identify novel developments made in contracts;

(2) To review technical reports submitted by contractors with cognizant agency technical personnel;

(3) To check the Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other sources
for patents issued to the contractor in fields related to its Government contracts; and

(4) To have cognizant Government personnel interview contractor personnel regarding work under

the contract involved, observe the work on site, and inspect laboratory notebooks and other records

of the contractor related to work under the contract.

(e) If a contractor or subcontractor does not have a clear understanding of its obligations under the

clause, or its procedures for complying with the clause are deficient, the contracting officer should

explain to the contractor its obligations. The withholding of payments provision (if any) of the patent

rights clause may be invoked if the contractor fails to meet the obligations required by the patents

rights clause. Significant or repeated failures by a contractor to comply with the patent rights

obligation in its contracts shall be documented and made a part of the general file (see 4.801(c)(3)).

27.305-3 Securing invention rights acquired by the Government.

(a) Agencies are responsible for implementing procedures necessary to protect the Government’s

interest in subject inventions. When the Government acquires the entire right, title, and interest in

an invention by contract, the chain of title from the inventor to the Government shall be clearly

established. This is normally accomplished by an assignment either from each inventor to the

contractor and from the contractor to the Government, or from the inventor to the Government with

the consent of the contractor. When the Government’s rights are limited to a license, there should be

a confirmatory instrument to that effect.

(b) Agencies may, by supplemental instructions, develop suitable assignments, licenses, and other

papers evidencing any rights of the Government in patents or patents applications. These

instruments should be recorded in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (see Executive Order 9424,

Establishing in the United States Patent Office a Register of Government Interests in Patents and

Applications for Patents, (February 18, 1944).

27.305-4 Protection of invention disclosures.

(a) The Government will, to the extent authorized by 35 U.S.C. 205, withhold from disclosure to the

public any invention disclosures reported under the patent rights clauses of 52.227-11 or 52.227-13

for a reasonable time in order for patent applications to be filed. The Government will follow the

policy in 27.302(j) regarding protection of confidentiality.

(b) The Government should also use reasonable efforts to withhold from disclosure to the public for a

reasonable time other information disclosing a subject invention. This information includes any data

delivered pursuant to contract requirements provided that the contractor notifies the agency as to

the identity of the data and the subject invention to which it relates at the time of delivery of the

data. This notification shall be provided to both the contracting officer and to any patent

representative to which the invention is reported, if other than the contracting officer.

(c) For more information on protection of invention disclosures, also see 37 CFR 401.13.

27.306 Licensing background patent rights to third parties.

(a) A contract with a small business concern or nonprofit organization shall not contain a provision
allowing the Government to require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the

contractor that are not subject inventions unless the agency head has approved and signed a written

justification in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. The agency head may not delegate this

authority and may exercise the authority only if it is determined that the-

(1) Use of the invention by others is necessary for the practice of a subject invention or for the use of

a work object of the contract; and

(2) Action is necessary to achieve the practical application of the subject invention or work object.

(b) Any determination will be on the record after an opportunity for a hearing, and the agency shall

notify the contractor of the determination by certified or registered mail. The notification shall

include a statement that the contractor must bring any action for judicial review of the

determination within 60 days after the notification.

Subpart 27.4 - Rights in Data and Copyrights

27.400 Scope of subpart.

This subpart sets forth policies and procedures regarding rights in data and copyrights, and

acquisition of data. The policy statement in 27.402 applies to all executive agencies. The remainder

of the subpart applies to all executive agencies except the Department of Defense.

27.401 Definitions.

As used in this subpartData means recorded information, regardless of form or the media on which it may be recorded. The

term includes technical data and computer software. The term does not include information

incidental to contract administration, such as financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or

management information.

Form, fit, and function data means data relating to items, components, or processes that are

sufficient to enable physical and functional interchangeability, and data identifying source, size,

configuration, mating and attachment characteristics, functional characteristics, and performance

requirements. For computer software it means data identifying source, functional characteristics,

and performance requirements, but specifically excludes the source code, algorithms, processes,

formulas, and flow charts of the software.

Limited rights means the rights of the Government in limited rights data as set forth in a Limited

Rights Notice.

Limited rights data means data, other than computer software, that embody trade secrets or are

commercial or financial and confidential or privileged, to the extent that such data pertain to items,

components, or processes developed at private expense, including minor modifications. (Agencies

may, however, adopt the following alternate definition: Limited rights data means data (other than

computer software) developed at private expense that embody trade secrets or are commercial or

financial and confidential or privileged (see 27.404-2(b)).
Restricted computer software means computer software developed at private expense and that is a

trade secret, is commercial or financial and confidential or privileged, or is copyrighted computer

software, including minor modifications of the computer software.

Restricted rights means the rights of the Government in restricted computer software as set forth in

a Restricted Rights Notice.

Unlimited rights means the rights of the Government to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative

works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, in any manner and

for any purpose, and to have or permit others to do so.

27.402 Policy.

(a) To carry out their missions and programs, agencies acquire or obtain access to many kinds of

data produced during or used in the performance of their contracts. Agencies require data to-

(1) Obtain competition among suppliers;

(2) Fulfill certain responsibilities for disseminating and publishing the results of their activities;

(3) Ensure appropriate utilization of the results of research, development, and demonstration

activities including the dissemination of technical information to foster subsequent technological

developments;

(4) Meet other programmatic and statutory requirements; and

(5) Meet specialized acquisition needs and ensure logistics support.

(b) Contractors may have proprietary interests in data. In order to prevent the compromise of these

interests, agencies shall protect proprietary data from unauthorized use and disclosure. The

protection of such data is also necessary to encourage qualified contractors to participate in and

apply innovative concepts to Government programs. In light of these considerations, agencies shall

balance the Government’s needs and the contractor’s legitimate proprietary interests.

27.403 Data rights-General.

All contracts that require data to be produced, furnished, acquired, or used in meeting contract

performance requirements, must contain terms that delineate the respective rights and obligations

of the Government and the contractor regarding the use, reproduction, and disclosure of that data.

Data rights clauses do not specify the type, quantity or quality of data that is to be delivered, but

only the respective rights of the Government and the contractor regarding the use, disclosure, or

reproduction of the data. Accordingly, the contract shall specify the data to be delivered.

27.404 Basic rights in data clause.

This section describes the operation of the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General, and also the

use of the provision at 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer

Software.
27.404-1 Unlimited rights data.

The Government acquires unlimited rights in the following data except for copyrighted works as

provided in 27.404-3:

(a) Data first produced in the performance of a contract (except to the extent the data constitute

minor modifications to data that are limited rights data or restricted computer software).

(b) Form, fit, and function data delivered under contract.

(c) Data (except as may be included with restricted computer software) that constitute manuals or

instructional and training material for installation, operation, or routine maintenance and repair of

items, components, or processes delivered or furnished for use under a contract.

(d) All other data delivered under the contract other than limited rights data or restricted computer

software (see 27.404-2).

27.404-2 Limited rights data and restricted computer software.

(a) General. The basic clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General, enables the contractor to protect

qualifying limited rights data and restricted computer software by withholding the data from the

Government and instead delivering form, fit, and function data.

(b) Alternate definition of limited rights data. For contracts that do not require the development,

use, or delivery of items, components, or processes that are intended to be acquired by or for the

Government, an agency may adopt the alternate definition of limited rights data set forth in

Alternate I to the clause at 52.227-14. The alternate definition does not require that the data pertain

to items, components, or processes developed at private expense; but rather that the data were

developed at private expense and embody a trade secret or are commercial or financial and

confidential or privileged.

(c) Protection of limited rights data specified for delivery.

(1) The clause at 52.227-14 with its Alternate II enables the Government to require delivery of

limited rights data rather than allow the contractor to withhold the data. To obtain delivery, the

contract may identify and specify data to be delivered, or the contracting officer may require, by

written request during contract performance, the delivery of data that has been withheld or

identified to be withheld under paragraph (g)(1) of the clause. In addition, the contract may

specifically identify data that are not to be delivered under Alternate II or which, if delivered, will be

delivered with limited rights. The limited rights obtained by the Government are set forth in the

Limited Rights Notice contained in paragraph (g)(3) of Alternate II. Agencies shall not, without

permission of the contractor, use limited rights data for purposes of manufacture or disclose the

data outside the Government except as set forth in the Notice. Any disclosure by the Government

shall be subject to prohibition against further use and disclosure by the recipient. The following are

examples of specific purposes that may be adopted by an agency in its supplement and added to the

Limited Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(3) of Alternate II of the clause:

(i) Use (except for manufacture) by support service contractors.
(ii) Evaluation by nongovernment evaluators.

(iii) Use (except for manufacture) by other contractors participating in the Government’s program of

which the specific contract is a part.

(iv) Emergency repair or overhaul work.

(v) Release to a foreign government, or its instrumentalities, if required to serve the interests of the

U.S. Government, for information or evaluation, or for emergency repair or overhaul work by the

foreign government.

(2) The provision at 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer

Software, helps the contracting officer to determine whether the clause at 52.227-14 should be used

with its Alternate II. This provision requests that an offeror state whether limited rights data are

likely to be delivered. Where limited rights data are expected to be delivered, use Alternate II.

Where negotiations are based on an unsolicited proposal, the need for Alternate II of the clause at

52.227-14 should be addressed during negotiations or discussions, and if Alternate II was not

included initially it may be added by modification, if needed, during contract performance.

(3) If data that would otherwise qualify as limited rights data is delivered as a computer database,

the data shall be treated as limited rights data, rather than restricted computer software, for the

purposes of paragraph (g) of the clause at 52.227-14.

(d) Protection of restricted computer software specified for delivery.

(1) Alternate III of the clause at 52.227-14, enables the Government to require delivery of restricted

computer software rather than allow the contractor to withhold such restricted computer software.

To obtain delivery of restricted computer software the contracting officer shall-

(i) Identify and specify the deliverable computer software in the contract; or

(ii) Require by written request during contract performance, the delivery of computer software that

has been withheld or identified to be withheld under paragraph (g)(1) of the clause.

(2) In considering whether to use Alternate III, contracting officers should note that, unlike other

data, computer software is also an end item in itself. Thus, the contracting officer shall use Alternate

III if delivery of restricted computer software is required to meet agency needs.

(3) Unless otherwise agreed (see paragraph (d)(4) of this subsection), the restricted rights obtained

by the Government are set forth in the Restricted Rights Notice contained in paragraph (g)(4)

(Alternate III). Such restricted computer software will not be used or reproduced by the

Government, or disclosed outside the Government, except that the computer software may be-

(i) Used or copied for use with the computers for which it was acquired, including use at any

Government installation to which the computers may be transferred;

(ii) Used or copied for use with a backup computer if any computer for which it was acquired is

inoperative;

(iii) Reproduced for safekeeping (archives) or backup purposes;

(iv) Modified, adapted, or combined with other computer software, provided that the modified,
adapted, or combined portions of the derivative software incorporating any of the delivered,

restricted computer software shall be subject to the same restricted rights;

(v) Disclosed to and reproduced for use by support service contractors or their subcontractors, in

accordance with paragraphs (3)(i) through (iv) of this section; and

(vi) Used or copied for use with a replacement computer.

(4) The restricted rights set forth in paragraph (d)(3) of this subsection are the minimum rights the

Government normally obtains with restricted computer software and will automatically apply when

such software is acquired under the Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III of

the clause at 52.227-14. However, the contracting officer may specify different rights in the

contract, consistent with the purposes and needs for which the software is to be acquired. For

example, the contracting officer should consider any networking needs or any requirements for use

of the computer software from remote terminals. Also, in addressing such needs, the scope of the

restricted rights may be different for the documentation accompanying the computer software than

for the programs and databases. Any additions to, or limitations on, the restricted rights set forth in

the Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III of the clause at 52.227-14 shall be

expressly stated in the contract or in a collateral agreement incorporated in and made part of the

contract, and the notice modified accordingly.

(5) The provision at 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer

Software, helps the contracting officer determine whether to use the clause at 52.227-14 with its

Alternate III. This provision requests that an offeror state whether restricted computer software is

likely to be delivered under the contract. In addition, the need for Alternate III should be addressed

during negotiations or discussions with an offeror, particularly where negotiations are based on an

unsolicited proposal. However, if Alternate III is not used initially, it may be added by modification, if

needed, during contract performance.

27.404-3 Copyrighted works.

(a) Data first produced in the performance of a contract.

(1) Generally, the contractor must obtain permission of the contracting officer prior to asserting

rights in any copyrighted work containing data first produced in the performance of a contract.

However, contractors are normally authorized, without prior approval of the contracting officer, to

assert copyright in technical or scientific articles based on or containing such data that is published

in academic, technical or professional journals, symposia proceedings and similar works.

(2) The contractor must make a written request for permission to assert its copyright in works

containing data first produced under the contract. In its request, the contractor should identify the

data involved or furnish copies of the data for which permission is requested, as well as a statement

as to the intended publication or dissemination media or other purpose for which the permission is

requested. Generally, a contracting officer should grant the contractor’s request when copyright

protection will enhance the appropriate dissemination or use of the data unless the-

(i) Data consist of a report that represents the official views of the agency or that the agency is

required by statute to prepare;

(ii) Data are intended primarily for internal use by the Government;
(iii) Data are of the type that the agency itself distributes to the public under an agency program;

(iv) Government determines that limitation on distribution of the data is in the national interest; or

(v) Government determines that the data should be disseminated without restriction.

(3) Alternate IV of the clause at 52.227-14 provides a substitute paragraph (c)(1) granting

permission for contractors to assert copyright in any data first produced in the performance of the

contract without the need for any further requests. Except for contracts for management or

operation of Government facilities and contracts and subcontracts in support of programs being

conducted at those facilities or where international agreements require otherwise, Alternate IV shall

be used in all contracts for basic or applied research to be performed solely by colleges and

universities. Alternate IV shall not be used in contracts with colleges and universities if a purpose of

the contract is for development of computer software for distribution to the public (including use in

solicitations) by or on behalf of the Government. In addition, Alternate IV may be used in other

contracts if an agency determines that it is not necessary for a contractor to request further

permission to assert copyright in data first produced in performance of the contract. The contracting

officer may exclude any data, or items or categories of data, from the provisions of Alternate IV by

expressly so providing in the contract or by adding a paragraph (d)(4) to the clause, consistent with

27.404-4(b).

(4) Pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of the clause at 52.227-14, the contractor grants the Government a

paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license to reproduce, prepare derivative works,

distribute to the public, perform publicly and display publicly by or on behalf of the Government, for

all data (other than computer software) first produced in the performance of a contract. For

computer software, the scope of the Government’s license includes all of the above rights except the

right to distribute to the public. Agencies may also obtain a license of different scope if the

contracting officer determines, after consulting with legal counsel, such a license will substantially

enhance the dissemination of any data first produced under the contract or if such a license is

required to comply with international agreements. If an agency obtains a different license, the

contractor shall clearly state the scope of that license in a conspicuous place on the medium on

which the data is recorded. For example, if the data is delivered as a report, the terms of the license

shall be stated on the cover, or first page, of the report.

(5) The clause requires the contractor to affix the applicable copyright notices of 17 U.S .C. 401 or 4

02, and acknowledgment of Government sponsorship, (including the contract number) to data when

it asserts copyright in data. Failure to do so could result in such data being treated as unlimited

rights data (see 27.404-5(b)).

(b) Data not first produced in the performance of a contract.

(1) Contractors shall not deliver any data that is not first produced under the contract without

either-

(i) Acquiring for or granting to the Government a copyright license for the data; or

(ii) Obtaining permission from the contracting officer to do otherwise.

(2) The copyright license the Government acquires for such data will normally be of the same scope

as discussed in paragraph (a)(4) of this subsection, and is set forth in paragraph (c)(2) of the clause

at 52.227-14. However, agencies may obtain a license of different scope if the agency determines,

after consultation with its legal counsel, that such different license will not be inconsistent with the
purpose of acquiring the data. If a license of a different scope is acquired, it must be so stated in the

contract and clearly set forth in a conspicuous place on the data when delivered to the Government.

If the contractor delivers computer software not first produced under the contract, the contractor

shall grant the Government the license set forth in paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III if included in the

clause at 52.227-14, or a license agreed to in a collateral agreement made part of the contract.

27.404-4 Contractor’s release, publication, and use of data.

(a) In contracts for basic or applied research with universities or colleges, agencies shall not place

any restrictions on the conduct of or reporting on the results of unclassified basic or applied

research, except as provided in applicable U.S. statutes. However, agencies may restrict the release

or disclosure of computer software that is or is intended to be developed to the point of practical

application (including for agency distribution under established programs). This is not considered a

restriction on the reporting of the results of basic or applied research. Agencies may also preclude a

contractor from asserting copyright in any computer software for purposes of established agency

distribution programs, or where required to accomplish the purpose for which the software is

acquired.

(b) Except for the results of basic or applied research under contracts with universities or colleges,

agencies may, to the extent provided in their FAR supplements, place limitations or restrictions on

the contractor’s exercise of its rights in data first produced in the performance of the contract,

including a requirement to assign copyright to the Government or another party. Any of these

restrictions shall be expressly included in the contract.

27.404-5 Unauthorized, omitted, or incorrect markings.

(a) Unauthorized marking of data.

(1) The Government has, in accordance with paragraph (e) of the clause at 52.227-14, the right to

either return data containing unauthorized markings or to cancel or ignore the markings.

(2) Agencies shall not cancel or ignore markings without making written inquiry of the contractor

and affording the contractor at least 60 days to provide a written justification substantiating the

propriety of the markings.

(i) If the contractor fails to respond or fails to provide a written justification substantiating the

propriety of the markings within the time afforded, the Government may cancel or ignore the

markings.

(ii) If the contractor provides a written justification substantiating the propriety of the markings, the

contracting officer shall consider the justification.

(A) If the contracting officer determines that the markings are authorized, the contractor will be so

notified in writing.

(B) If the contracting officer determines, with concurrence of the head of the contracting activity,

that the markings are not authorized, the contractor will be furnished a written determination which

becomes the final agency decision regarding the appropriateness of the markings and the markings
will be cancelled or ignored and the data will no longer be made subject to disclosure prohibitions,

unless the contractor files suit within 90 days in a court of competent jurisdiction. The markings will

not be cancelled or ignored until final resolution of the matter, either by the contracting officer's

determination becoming the final agency decision or by final disposition of the matter by court

decision if suit is filed.

(3) The foregoing procedures may be modified in accordance with agency regulations implementing

the Freedom of Information Act (5 U. S.C. 552) if necessary to respond to a request. In addition, the

contractor may bring a claim, in accordance with the Disputes clause of the contract, that may arise

as the result of the Government’s action to remove or ignore any markings on data, unless the action

occurs as the result of a final disposition of the matter by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(b) Omitted or incorrect notices.

(1) Data delivered under a contract containing the clause without a limited rights notice or

restricted rights notice, and without a copyright notice, will be presumed to have been delivered

with unlimited rights, and the Government assumes no liability for the disclosure, use, or

reproduction of the data. However, to the extent the data has not been disclosed without restriction

outside the Government, the contractor may, within 6 months (or a longer period approved by the

contracting officer for good cause shown), request permission of the contracting officer to have the

omitted limited rights or restricted rights notices, as applicable, placed on qualifying data at the

contractor's expense. The contracting officer may permit adding appropriate notices if the

contractor-

(i) Identifies the data for which a notice is to be added;

(ii) Demonstrates that the omission of the proposed notice was inadvertent;

(iii) Establishes that use of the proposed notice is authorized; and

(iv) Acknowledges that the Government has no liability with respect to any disclosure or use of any

such data made prior to the addition of the notice or resulting from the omission of the notice.

(2) The contracting officer may also-

(i) Permit correction, at the contractor’s expense, of incorrect notices if the contractor identifies the

data on which correction of the notice is to be made, and demonstrates that the correct notice is

authorized; or

(ii) Correct any incorrect notices.

27.404-6 Inspection of data at the contractor’s facility.

Contracting officers may obtain the right to inspect data at the contractor’s facility by use of the

clause at 52.227-14 with its Alternate V, which adds paragraph (j) to provide that right. Agencies

may also adopt Alternate V for general use. The data subject to inspection may be data withheld or

withholdable under paragraph (g)(1) of the clause. Inspection may be made by the contracting

officer or designee (including nongovernmental personnel under the same conditions as the

contracting officer) for the purpose of verifying a contractor’s assertion regarding the limited rights

or restricted rights status of the data, or for evaluating work performance under the contract. This
right may be exercised up to 3 years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under the contract.

The contract may specify data items that are not subject to inspection under paragraph (j) of the

Alternate. If the contractor demonstrates to the contracting officer that there would be a possible

conflict of interest if inspection were made by a particular representative, the contracting officer

shall designate an alternate representative.

27.405 Other data rights provisions.

27.405-1 Special works.

(a) The clause at 52.227-17, Rights in Data-Special Works, is for use in contracts (or may be made

applicable to portions thereof) that are primarily for the production or compilation of data (other

than limited rights data or restricted computer software) for the Government’s own use, or when

there is a specific need to limit distribution and use of the data or to obtain indemnity for liabilities

that may arise out of the content, performance, or disclosure of the data. Examples are contracts for-

(1) The production of audiovisual works, including motion pictures or television recordings with or

without accompanying sound, or for the preparation of motion picture scripts, musical compositions,

sound tracks, translation, adaptation, and the like;

(2) Histories of the respective agencies, departments, services, or units thereof;

(3) Surveys of Government establishments;

(4) Works pertaining to the instruction or guidance of Government officers and employees in the

discharge of their official duties;

(5) The compilation of reports, books, studies, surveys, or similar documents that do not involve

research, development, or experimental work;

(6) The collection of data containing personally identifiable information such that the disclosure

thereof would violate the right of privacy or publicity of the individual to whom the information

relates;

(7) Investigatory reports;

(8) The development, accumulation, or compilation of data (other than that resulting from research,

development, or experimental work performed by the contractor), the early release of which could

prejudice follow-on acquisition activities or agency regulatory or enforcement activities; or

(9) The development of computer software programs, where the program-

(i) May give a commercial advantage; or

(ii) Is agency mission sensitive, and release could prejudice agency mission, programs, or follow-on

acquisitions.

(b) The contract may specify the purposes and conditions (including time limitations) under which

the data may be used, released, or reproduced other than for contract performance. Contracts for

the production of audiovisual works, sound recordings, etc., may include limitations in connection

with talent releases, music licenses, and the like that are consistent with the purposes for which the
works are acquired.

(c) Paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of the clause, which enables the Government to obtain assignment of

copyright in any data first produced in the performance of the contract, may be deleted if the

contracting officer determines that such assignment is not needed to further the objectives of the

contract.

(d) Paragraph (e) of the clause, which requires the contractor to indemnify the Government against

any liability incurred as the result of any violation of trade secrets, copyrights, right of privacy or

publicity, or any libelous or other unlawful matter arising out of or contained in any production or

compilation of data that are subject to the clause, may be deleted or limited in scope where the

contracting officer determines that, because of the nature of the particular data involved, such

liability will not arise.

(e) When the audiovisual or other special works are produced to accomplish a public purpose other

than acquisition for the Government’s own use (such as for production and distribution to the public

of the works by other than a Federal agency) agencies are authorized to modify the clause for use in

contracts, with rights in data provisions that meet agency mission needs yet protect free speech and

freedom of expression, as well as the artistic license of the creator of the work.

27.405-2 Existing works.

The clause at 52.227-18, Rights in Data-Existing Works, is for use in contracts exclusively for the

acquisition (without modification) of existing works such as, motion pictures, television recordings,

and other audiovisual works; sound recordings; musical, dramatic, and literary works; pantomimes

and choreographic works; pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; and works of a similar nature.

The contract may set forth limitations consistent with the purposes for which the works covered by

the contract are being acquired. Examples of these limitations are means of exhibition or

transmission, time, type of audience, and geographical location. However, if the contract requires

that works of the type indicated in this paragraph are to be modified through editing, translation, or

addition of subject matter, etc. (rather than purchased in existing form), then see 27.405-1.

27.405-3 Commercial computer software.

(a) When contracting other than from GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule contracts for the acquisition

of commercial computer software, no specific contract clause prescribed in this subpart need be

used, but the contract shall specifically address the Government’s rights to use, disclose, modify,

distribute, and reproduce the software. Section 12.212 sets forth the guidance for the acquisition of

commercial computer software and states that commercial computer software or commercial

computer software documentation shall be acquired under licenses customarily provided to the

public to the extent the license is consistent with Federal law and otherwise satisfies the

Government’s needs. The clause at 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License, may be used

when there is any confusion as to whether the Government’s needs are satisfied or whether a

customary commercial license is consistent with Federal law. Additional or lesser rights may be

negotiated using the guidance concerning restricted rights as set forth in 27.404-2(d), or the clause

at 52.227-19. If greater rights than the minimum rights identified in the clause at 52.227-19 are

needed, or lesser rights are to be acquired, they shall be negotiated and set forth in the contract.

This includes any additions to, or limitations on, the rights set forth in paragraph (b) of the clause at

52.227-19 when used. Examples of greater rights may be those necessary for networking purposes
or use of the software from remote terminals communicating with a host computer where the

software is located. If the computer software is to be acquired with unlimited rights, the contract

shall also so state. In addition, the contract shall adequately describe the computer programs and/or

databases, the media on which it is recorded, and all the necessary documentation.

(b) If the contract incorporates, makes reference to, or uses a vendor’s standard commercial lease,

license, or purchase agreement, the contracting officer shall ensure that the agreement is consistent

with paragraph (a) of this subsection. The contracting officer should exercise caution in accepting a

vendor’s terms and conditions, since they may be directed to commercial sales and may not be

appropriate for Government contracts. Any inconsistencies in a vendor’s standard commercial

agreement shall be addressed in the contract and the contract terms shall take precedence over the

vendor’s standard commercial agreement. If the clause at 52.227-19 is used, inconsistencies in the

vendor’s standard commercial agreement regarding the Government’s right to use, reproduce or

disclose the computer software are reconciled by that clause.

(c) If a prime contractor under a contract containing the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in DataGeneral, with paragraph (g)(4) (Alternate III) in the clause, acquires restricted computer software

from a subcontractor (at any tier) as a separate acquisition for delivery to or for use on behalf of the

Government, the contracting officer may approve any additions to, or limitations on the restricted

rights in the Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) in a collateral agreement incorporated in

and made part of the contract.

27.405-4 Other existing data.

(a) Except for existing works pursuant to 27.405-2 or commercial computer software pursuant to

27.405-3, no clause contained in this subpart is required to be included in-

(1) Contracts solely for the acquisition of books, periodicals, and other printed items in the exact

form in which these items are to be obtained unless reproduction rights are to be acquired; or

(2) Other contracts that require only existing data (other than limited rights data) to be delivered

and the data are available without disclosure prohibitions, unless reproduction rights to the data are

to be obtained.

(b) If the reproduction rights to the data are to be obtained in any contract of the type described in

paragraph (b)(1) (i) or (ii) of this section, the rights shall be specifically set forth in the contract. No

clause contained in this subpart is required to be included in contracts substantially for on-line data

base services in the same form as they are normally available to the general public.

27.406 Acquisition of data.

27.406-1 General.

(a) It is the Government’s practice to determine, to the extent feasible, its data requirements in time

for inclusion in solicitations. The data requirements may be subject to revision during contract

negotiations. Since the preparation, reformatting, maintenance and updating, cataloging, and

storage of data represents an expense to both the Government and the contractor, efforts should be

made to keep the contract data requirements to a minimum, consistent with the purposes of the
contract.

(b) The contracting officer shall specify in the contract all known data requirements, including the

time and place for delivery and any limitations and restrictions to be imposed on the contractor in

the handling of the data. Further, and to the extent feasible, in major system acquisitions, the

contracting officer shall set out data requirements as separate line items. In establishing the

contract data requirements and in specifying data items to be delivered by a contractor, agencies

may, consistent with paragraph (a) of this subsection, develop their own contract schedule

provisions. Agency procedures may, among other things, provide for listing, specifying, identifying

source, assuring delivery, and handling any data required to be delivered, first produced, or

specifically used in the performance of the contract.

(c) Data delivery requirements should normally not require that a contractor provide the

Government, as a condition of the procurement, unlimited rights in data that qualify as limited rights

data or restricted computer software. Rather, form, fit, and function data may be furnished with

unlimited rights instead of the qualifying data, or the qualifying data may be furnished with limited

rights or restricted rights if needed (see 27.404-2(c) and (d)). If greater rights are needed, they

should be clearly set forth in the solicitation and the contractor fairly compensated for the greater

rights.

27.406-2 Additional data requirements.

(a) In some contracting situations, such as experimental, developmental, research, or demonstration

contracts, it may not be feasible to ascertain all the data requirements at contract award. The clause

at 52.227-16, Additional Data Requirements, may be used to enable the subsequent ordering by the

contracting officer of additional data first produced or specifically used in the performance of these

contracts as the actual requirements become known. The clause shall normally be used in

solicitations and contracts involving experimental, developmental, research or demonstration work

(other than basic or applied research to be performed under a contract solely by a university or

college when the contract amount will be $500,000 or less) unless all the requirements for data are

believed to be known at the time of contracting and specified in the contract. If the contract is for

basic or applied research to be performed by a university or college, and the contracting officer

believes the contract effort will in the future exceed $500,000, even though the initial award does

not, the contracting officer may include the clause in the initial award.

(b) Data may be ordered under the clause at 52.227-16 at any time during contract performance or

within a period of 3 years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under the contract. The

contractor is to be compensated for converting the data into the prescribed form, for reproduction,

and for delivery. In order to minimize storage costs for the retention of data, the contracting officer

may relieve the contractor of the retention requirements for specified data items at any time during

the retention period required by the clause. The contracting officer may permit the contractor to

identify and specify in the contract data not to be ordered for delivery under the clause if the data is

not necessary to meet the Government’s requirements for data. Also, the contracting officer may

alter the clause by deleting the term "or specifically used" in paragraph (a) of the clause if delivery

of the data is not necessary to meet the Government’s requirements for data. Any data ordered

under this clause will be subject to the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General, (or other

equivalent clause setting forth the respective rights of the Government and the contractor) in the

contract. Data authorized to be withheld under such clause will not be required to be delivered

under the clause at 52.227-16, except as provided in Alternate II or Alternate III, if included (see

27.404-2(c) and (d)).
(c) Absent an established program for dissemination of computer software, agencies should not

order additional computer software under the clause at 52.227-16, for the sole purpose of

disseminating or marketing the software to the public. In ordering software for internal purposes,

the contracting officer shall consider, consistent with the Government’s needs, not ordering

particular source codes, algorithms, processes, formulas, or flow charts of the software if the

contractor shows that this aids its efforts to disseminate or market the software.

27.406-3 Major system acquisition.

(a) The clause at 52.227-21, Technical Data Declaration, Revision, and Withholding of PaymentMajor Systems, implements 41 U. S.C. 2302(e). When using the clause at 52.227-21, the section of

the contract specifying data delivery requirements (see 27.406-1(b)) shall expressly identify those

line items of technical data to which the clause applies. Upon delivery of the technical data, the

contracting officer shall review the technical data and the contractor’s declaration relating to it to

assure that the data are complete, accurate, and comply with contract requirements. If the data are

not complete, accurate, or compliant, the contracting officer should request the contractor to

correct the deficiencies, and may withhold payment. Final payment shall not be made under the

contract until it has been determined that the delivery requirements of those line items of data to

which the clause applies have been satisfactorily met.

(b) In a contract for, or in support of, a major system awarded by a civilian agency other than NASA

or the U.S. Coast Guard, the following applies:

(1) The contracting officer shall require the delivery of any technical data relating to the major

system or supplies for the major system, that are to be developed exclusively with Federal funds if

the delivery of the technical data is needed to ensure the competitive acquisition of supplies or

services that will be required in substantial quantities in the future. The clause at 52.227-22, Major

System-Minimum Rights, is used in addition to the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General, and

other required clauses, to ensure that the Government acquires at least those rights required by

Pub. L. 98-577 in technical data developed exclusively with Federal funds.

(2) Technical data, relating to a major system or supplies for a major system, procured or to be

procured by the Government and also relating to the design, development, or manufacture of

products or processes offered or to be offered for sale to the public (except for such data as may be

necessary for the Government to operate or maintain the product, or use the process if obtained by

the Government as an element of performance under the contract), shall not be required to be

provided to the Government from persons who have developed such products or processes as a

condition for the procurement of such products or processes by the Government.

27.407 Rights to technical data in successful proposals.

The clause at 52.227-23, Rights to Proposal Data (Technical), allows the Government to acquire

unlimited rights to technical data in successful proposals. Pursuant to the clause, the prospective

contractor is afforded the opportunity to specifically identify pages containing technical data to be

excluded from the grant of unlimited rights. This exclusion is not dispositive of the protective status

of the data, but any excluded technical data, as well as any commercial and financial information

contained in the proposal, will remain subject to the policies in subpart 15.2 or 15.6 (or agency

supplements) relating to proposal information (e.g., will be used for evaluation purposes only). If

there is a need to have access to any of the excluded technical data during contract performance,
consideration should be given to acquiring the data with limited rights, if they so qualify, in

accordance with 27.404-2(c).

27.408 Cosponsored research and development activities.

(a) In contracts involving cosponsored research and development that require the contractor to

make substantial contributions of funds or resources (e.g., by cost-sharing or by repayment of

nonrecurring costs), and the contractor’s and the Government’s respective contributions to any item,

component, process, or computer software, developed or produced under the contract are not

readily segregable, the contracting officer may limit the acquisition of, or acquire less than unlimited

rights to, any data developed and delivered under the contract. Agencies may regulate the use of

this authority in their supplements. Lesser rights shall, at a minimum, assure use of the data for

agreed-to Governmental purposes (including reprocurement rights as appropriate), and address any

disclosure limitations or restrictions to be imposed on the data. Also, consideration may be given to

requiring the contractor to directly license others if needed to carry out the objectives of the

contract. Since the purpose of the cosponsored research and development, the legitimate

proprietary interests of the contractor, the needs of the Government, and the respective

contributions of both parties may vary, no specific clauses are prescribed, but a clause providing less

than unlimited rights in the Government for data developed and delivered under the contract (such

as license rights) may be tailored to the circumstances consistent with the foregoing and the policy

set forth in 27.402. As a guide, a clause may be appropriate when the contractor contributes money

or resources, or agrees to make repayment of nonrecurring costs, of a value of approximately 50

percent of the total cost of the contract (i.e., Government, contractor, and/or third party paid costs),

and the respective contributions are not readily segregable for any work element to be performed

under the contract. A clause may be used for all or for only specifically identified tasks or work

elements under the contract. In the latter instance, its use will be in addition to whatever other data

rights clause is prescribed under this subpart, with the contract specifically identifying which clause

is to apply to which tasks or work elements. Further, this type of clause may not be appropriate

where the purpose of the contract is to produce data for dissemination to the public, or to develop or

demonstrate technologies that will be available, in any event, to the public for its direct use.

(b) Where the contractor’s contributions are readily segregable (by performance requirements and

the funding for the contract) and so identified in the contract, any resulting data may be treated

under this clause as limited rights data or restricted computer software in accordance with

27.404-2(c) or (d), as applicable; or if this treatment is inconsistent with the purpose of the contract,

rights to the data may, if so negotiated and stated in the contract, be treated in a manner consistent

with paragraph (a) of this section.

27.409 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

(a) Generally, a contract should contain only one data rights clause. However, where more than one

is needed, the contract should distinguish the portion of contract performance to which each

pertains.

(b)

(1) Insert the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General, in solicitations and contracts if it is

contemplated that data will be produced, furnished, or acquired under the contract, unless the
contract is-

(i) For the production of special works of the type set forth in 27.405-1, although in these cases

insert the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General, and make it applicable to data other than

special works, as appropriate (see paragraph (e) of this section);

(ii) For the acquisition of existing data, commercial computer software, or other existing data, as

described in 27.405-2 through 27.405-4 (see paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section);

(iii) A small business innovation research contract (see paragraph (h) of this section);

(iv) To be performed outside the United States (see paragraph (i)(1) of this section);

(v) For architect-engineer services or construction work (see paragraph (i)(2) of this section);

(vi) For the management, operation, design, or construction of a Government-owned facility to

perform research, development, or production work (see paragraph (i)(3) of this section); or

(vii) A contract involving cosponsored research and development in which a clause providing for less

than unlimited right has been authorized (see 27.408).

(2) If an agency determines, in accordance with 27.404-2(b), to adopt the alternate definition of

"Limited Rights Data" in paragraph (a) of the clause, use the clause with its Alternate I.

(3) If a contracting officer determines, in accordance with 27.404-2(c) that it is necessary to obtain

limited rights data, use the clause with its Alternate II. The contracting officer shall complete

paragraph (g)(3) to include the purposes, if any, for which limited rights data are to be disclosed

outside the Government.

(4) In accordance with 27.404-2(d), if a contracting officer determines it is necessary to obtain

restricted computer software, use the clause with its Alternate III. Any greater or lesser rights

regarding the use, reproduction, or disclosure of restricted computer software than those set forth

in the Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) of the clause shall be specified in the contract

and the notice modified accordingly.

(5) Use the clause with its Alternate IV in contracts for basic or applied research (other than those

for the management or operation of Government facilities, and contracts and subcontracts in

support of programs being conducted at those facilities or where international agreements require

otherwise) to be performed solely by universities and colleges. The clause may be used with its

Alternate IV in other contracts if in accordance with 27.404-3(a), an agency determines to grant

permission for the contractor to assert claim to copyright subsisting in all data first produced

without further request being made by the contractor. When Alternate IV is used, the contract may

exclude items or categories of data from the permission granted, either by express provisions in the

contract or by the addition of a paragraph (d)(4) to the clause (see 27.404-4).

(6) In accordance with 27.404-6, if the Government needs the right to inspect certain data at a

contractor’s facility, use the clause with its Alternate V.

(c) In accordance with 27.404-2(c)(2) and 27.404-2(d)(5), if the contracting officer desires to have an

offeror state in response to a solicitation whether limited rights data or restricted computer software

are likely to be used in meeting the data delivery requirements set forth in the solicitation, insert the

provision at 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software, in

any solicitation containing the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-General. The contractor’s
response may provide an aid in determining whether the clause should be used with Alternate II

and/or Alternate III.

(d) Insert the clause at 52.227-16, Additional Data Requirements, in solicitations and contracts

involving experimental, developmental, research, or demonstration work (other than basic or applied

research to be performed solely by a university or college where the contract amount will be

$500,000 or less) unless all the requirements for data are believed to be known at the time of

contracting and specified in the contract (see 27.406-2). This clause may also be used in other

contracts when considered appropriate. For example, if the contract is for basic or applied research

to be performed by a university or college, and the contracting officer believes the contract effort

will in the future exceed $500,000, even though the initial award does not, the contracting officer

may include the clause in the initial award.

(e) In accordance with 27.405-1, insert the clause at 52.227-17, Rights in Data-Special Works, in

solicitations and contracts primarily for the production or compilation of data (other than limited

rights data or restricted computer software) for the Government’s internal use, or when there is a

specific need to limit distribution and use of the data or to obtain indemnity for liabilities that may

arise out of the content, performance, or disclosure of the data. Examples of such contracts are set

forth in 27.405-1.

(1) Insert the clause if existing works are to be modified, as by editing, translation, addition of

subject matter, etc.

(2) The contract may specify the purposes and conditions (including time limitations) under which

the data may be used, released, or reproduced by the contractor for other than contract

performance.

(3) Contracts for the production of audiovisual works, sound recordings, etc. may include limitations

in connection with talent releases, music licenses, and the like that are consistent with the purposes

for which the data is acquired.

(4) The clause may be modified in accordance with paragraphs (c) through (e) of 27.405-1.

(f) Insert the clause at 52.227-18, Rights in Data-Existing Works, in solicitations and contracts

exclusively for the acquisition, without modification, of existing audiovisual and similar works of the

type set forth in 27.405-2. The contract may set forth limitations consistent with the purposes for

which the work is being acquired. While no specific clause of this subpart is required to be included

in contracts solely for the acquisition, without disclosure prohibitions, of books, publications, and

similar items in the exact form in which the items exist prior to the request for purchase (i.e., the offthe-shelf purchase of such items), or in other contracts where only existing data available without

disclosure prohibitions is to be furnished, if reproduction rights are to be acquired, the contract

shall include terms addressing such rights. (See 27.405-4.)

(g) In accordance with 27.405-3, when contracting (other than from GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule

contracts) for the acquisition of commercial computer software, the contracting officer may insert

the clause at 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License, in the solicitation and contract. In

any event, the contracting officer shall assure that the contract contains terms to obtain sufficient

rights for the Government to fulfill the need for which the software is being acquired and is

otherwise consistent with 27.405-3.

(h) If the contract is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, insert the clause at

52.227-20, Rights in Data-SBIR Program in all Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III contracts awarded
under the Small Business Innovation Research Program established pursuant to 15 U. S.C. 638. The

SBIR protection period may be extended in accordance with the Small Business Administration’s

"Small Business Innovation Research Program Policy Directive" (September24,2002).

(i) Agencies may prescribe in their procedures, as appropriate, a clause consistent with the policy of

27.402 in contracts-

(1) To be performed outside the United States;

(2) For architect-engineer services and construction work (e.g., the clause at 52.227-17, Rights in

Data-Special Works); or

(3) For management, operation, design, or construction of Government-owned research,

development, or production facilities, and in contracts and subcontracts in support of programs

being conducted at such facilities.

(j) In accordance with 27.406-3(a), insert the clause at 52.227-21, Technical Data Declaration,

Revision, and Withholding of Payment-Major Systems, in contracts for major systems acquisitions or

for support of major systems acquisitions. This requirement includes contracts for detailed design,

development, or production of a major system and contracts for any individual part, component,

subassembly, assembly, or subsystem integral to the major system, and other property that may be

replaced during the service life of the system, including spare parts. When used, this clause requires

that the technical data to which it applies be specified in the contract (see 27.406-3(a)).

(k) In accordance with 27.406-3(b), in the case of civilian agencies other than NASA and the U.S.

Coast Guard, insert the clause at 52.227-22, Major System-Minimum Rights, in contracts for major

systems or contracts in support of major systems.

(l) In accordance with 27.407, if a contracting officer desires to acquire unlimited rights in technical

data contained in a successful proposal upon which a contract award is based, insert the clause at

52.227-23, Rights to Proposal Data (Technical). Rights to technical data in a proposal are not

acquired by mere incorporation by reference of the proposal in the contract, and if a proposal is

incorporated by reference, the contracting officer shall follow 27.404 to assure that the rights are

appropriately addressed.

Subpart 27.5 - Foreign License and Technical Assistance

Agreements

27.501 General.

Agencies shall provide necessary policy and procedures regarding foreign technical assistance

agreements and license agreements involving intellectual property, including avoiding unnecessary

royalty charges.