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###### Department of Energy

          - 48 CFR Parts 927 and 970 
          - RIN: 1991-AB55 

# AGENCY:

Department of Energy. 

# ACTION:

Interim final rule and opportunity for public comment.

# SUMMARY:

The Department of Energy (DOE) is amending the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) to improve the patent coverage relating to management and operating contracts. The clauses contained herein generally reflect the clauses used in such DOE contracts over the last five years. The changes made pursuant to this rule adapt patent related clauses to subcontracting under management and operating contracts, will result in clauses stated in “plain language,” and will provide a complete set of patent clauses for all varieties of management and operating contract. 

# DATES:

This rule is effective December 15, 2000. Comments on the interim final rule should be submitted by January 16, 2001. 

# ADDRESSES:

Comments (3 copies) should be addressed to: Robert M. Webb, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20585. 

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Robert M. Webb at (202) 586-8264. 

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background. 

II. Explanation of Changes in the Patent Rights Clauses. 

III. Procedural Requirements. 

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866. 

B. Review Under Executive Order 12988. 

C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 

D. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act. 

E. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act. 

F. Review Under Executive Order 13132. 

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. 

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999. 

I. Congressional Review.

## I. Background

The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) last revised its patent regulations covering management and operating contracts on March 2, 1995 at 60 FR 11824. That rule created two patent rights clauses, one for nonprofit contractors and a second for profit-making contractors. The former adapted the Bayh-Dole clause, granting title to inventions first conceived or reduced to practice under the contract to the contractor, for use in management and operating (M&O) contracts. The second clause retained title to those inventions in the United States. In the interim it has become apparent that the clauses could be designed to more effectively deal with the realities of performance under DOE management and operating contracts. There is a need to modify the specified clauses to reflect additional statutory requirements and the special treatment of exceptional circumstances in defense related activities. This interim final rule fulfills those needs. 

This rulemaking establishes three clauses, one for nonprofit contractors, one for profit-making contractors where their contracts do not provide for technology transfer responsibilities, and a third for large profit-making contractors where their contracts do provide for technology transfer activities. The terms of the third clause reflect DOE's probable issuance of an advance waiver under which large profit-making management and operating contractors with a technology transfer mission will receive title to inventions. The individual class waiver that is likely to be granted may cause the actual terms of the patent clause used to vary from the model published here. 

This interim final rule also adapts customary ancillary patent clauses to the special circumstances of DOE's management and operating contracts. The clause normally used to authorize and give consent to a contractor to use or manufacture an invention has been modified to allow a contractor to request and DOE to authorize copying copyrighted work. It also reflects that if a subcontractor is employed under a management and operating contract to perform research and development, the clause flowed down should use paragraph (a) as in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Alternate 1, as opposed to the basic clause as is called for under paragraph (b) of the FAR clause. 

The interim final rule limits the notice and assistance clause to subcontracts valued at $25,000 or more. The FAR clause limit for flowdown is the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000. 

The interim final rule establishes a flowdown for patent indemnity. In the area of royalties, the interim final rule provides for the contractor to provide to DOE information bearing on any royalty proposed to be paid after contract award. The relevant FAR provision does not foresee long term contracting with the variety of royalty activities that the Department is currently experiencing under its management and operating contracts. 

This interim final rule also makes small changes to clauses for notice of right to request patent waiver and rights to proposal data, resulting from their being drafted in “plain language.” Additionally, a change has been made to DEAR Part 927 to assure that the facilities license contained in the three M&O patent clauses is used in appropriate contracts not subject to Part 970. 

## II. Explanation of Changes in the Patent Rights Clauses 

### A. Plain Language 

All clauses in this interim final rule, except the nonprofit clause at 970.5204-101, were rewritten from former clauses to incorporate suggested language and sentence structure for clarifying and simplifying contract provisions. For example, the clause language is written in the present tense and exceptions are generally stated at the beginning of regulatory provisions. Italicized headings were added to all subparagraphs. At such time as the FAR is revised to reflect “plain language,” particularly with regard to the Bayh-Dole clause at FAR 52.227-11 (the core of the clause at 970.5204-101), which is overseen by the Department of Commerce, these regulations will be reviewed and revised as appropriate.

### B. Organization of Clause Provisions 

                    Modest changes were made to the organization of each of the patent rights clauses, so that like topics and provisions appear in a similar order in all of the clauses, as shown by the index. Also, if the same provision appeared in more than one clause, an                           ( print page 68933)                        effort was made to maintain similar paragraph lettering and text.                 

### C. Allocation of Principal Rights: Exceptional Circumstance Subject Inventions, Inventions Related to National Security, and Treaties and International Agreements 

The Allocation of Principal Rights paragraph (b) in each of the patent rights clauses is drafted according to the statutory disposition of rights in inventions depending on contractor type. In addition, paragraph (b) of clauses at 970.5204-101 and -103 include new subparagraphs addressing exceptional circumstance subject inventions and the disposition of rights controlled by treaties and international agreements (see 970.5204-101-(b)(3)&(4); -103-(b)(5)&(6)). Alternate 1 also provides for the allocation of rights in subject inventions related to weapons and national security, respectively, to be inserted under paragraph (b). These new provisions are located under allocation of principal rights because they affect the contractor's ability to take title. 

### D. Allocation of Principal Rights: Requests for Greater Rights by the Contractor and Contractor Employee-inventors, and the Assignment of Government Rights of Government Employee-inventors 

The Allocation of Principal Rights paragraph (b) in each of the patent rights clauses includes provisions for the contractor and contractor employee-inventor to request greater rights in inventions, and for the Government to assign to the contractor the rights acquired from a Government employee-inventor (see 970.5204-101(b)(4)(5)&(6); -102(b)(2); -103(b)(7)(8)&(9)). 

### E. Subject Invention Disclosures 

All of the patent rights clauses include a modified list of information required in a subject invention disclosure. The list provides DOE with sufficient information to oversee invention reporting. 

### F. Efficient Administration of Subject Inventions 

Provisions appear in one or more of the patent rights clauses and address procedures for ensuring that all subject inventions are promptly reported by inventors to the contractor and by the contractor to DOE. 

### G. DOE Decisions Concerning Federally Funded Inventions 

The clauses at 970.5204-101 and -103 that provide the contractor with the right to retain title to subject inventions, either by statute or under an advance class waiver, include a new provision which confirms that it is at DOE's sole discretion to accept or refuse the return of rights to a subject invention that had been previously elected by the contractor (see 970.5204-101(d)(4); -103(d)(1)). 

                    The patent rights clause at 970.5204-102 does not contemplate the contractor's retention of rights in inventions, and, therefore, if such a restriction on the return of title should apply to a large business contractor whose contract has no technology transfer mission, it must be included in the terms and conditions of the instrument granting rights in the invention,                     *e.g.*, identified waiver. In addition, DOE's discretion to grant or refuse requests by the contractor for greater rights or for a contractor license is more clearly stated in all of the patent rights clauses, such that there is no confusion that a contractor does not automatically receive such rights simply by requesting them, but rather DOE may grant or refuse to grant such rights, ensuring Government missions and objectives are considered (see patent rights clauses 970.5204-101(b)(5)(6)&(7) and (e)(1); 970.5204-102(b)(2) and (d)(1)(i)); and 970.5204-103(b)(7)(8)&(9) and (e)(1)).                 

### H. Withholding of Payment 

                    The provision entitled                     *Withholding of payment*                     from former clause 48 CFR 970.5204-72 has been deleted from the for-profit clauses (970.5204-102 and -103). While the provision is applicable to prime contractors generally, such withholding is not a practice employed by the Contracting Officer with respect to M&O contracts.                 

### I. Royalty Sharing and Balance of Royalties Provisions in the For-Profit, Advance Class Waiver Clause 

                    The former nonprofit clause, 48 CFR 970.5204-71, includes royalty sharing and balance of royalties provisions under paragraph (k) entitled                     *Special provisions for contracts with nonprofit organizations.*                     Since this subject matter is addressed in the accompanying Technology Transfer Mission clause, these provisions clauses have been deleted from the nonprofit clause (970.5204-101), and omitted from the for-profit, advance class waiver clause (970.5204-103).                 

### J. Rights Governed by Other Agreements 

A provision specifying that rights to inventions made under certain third party agreements are governed by DOE approved provisions is omitted from the for-profit, advance waiver clause because it is covered in the Technology Transfer Mission clause, paragraph (n)(4), which must accompany the for-profit, advance waiver clause (970.5204-103) in an M&O contract. 

### K. Reports 

The interim and final reports required by various provisions are collectively organized under a single paragraph, Reports, for each of the patent clauses (see 970.5204-101(m); 970.5204-102(k); 970.5204-103(m)). 

### L. Classified Inventions 

The Classified Inventions provision from 10 CFR 600.27 has been modified and included in all of the clauses (see 970.5204-101(q); -102(m); -103(p)). The provision was included and not presented as an alternate because almost all of the DOE laboratories have the potential for engaging in research involving classified subject matter. The provision may be deleted if this is absolutely not the case, by approval of DOE patent counsel at the time of contracting.

### M. Patent Functions 

This new provision, already in most management and operating contracts, is included in each all the clauses (see 970.5204-101(r); -102(n); -103(r)). It requires the contractor to assist patent counsel with patent related functions. 

### N. Educational Awards Subject to 35 U.S.C. 212

This new provision, also already in most management and operating contracts, is included in two of the clauses (see 970.5204-101(s); -103(s)). It protects Government rights in research related to excepted areas of technology from possible allocation to students under 35 U.S.C. 212. 

### O. Annual Appraisal by Patent Counsel 

This new provision, also already in most management and operating contracts, is included in all of the clauses (see 970.5204-101(t); -102(p); -103(t)). It allows, but does not require, DOE patent counsel to conduct annual appraisals to evaluate the contractor's effectiveness in identifying and protecting inventions. 

### P. Weapons Related Subject Inventions 

                    Alternate 1 entitled                     *Weapons Related Subject Inventions*                     is available for the nonprofit clause and the for-profit, advance class waiver clause.                 

### Q. Transfer of a Contractor License 

                    DOE must approve the transfer of a contractor license in a subject invention. The former clause 48 CFR 970.5204-71(e)(1) (last sentence) provided for an                           ( print page 68934)                        exception: “except when transferred to the successor of that part of the Contractor's business to which the invention pertains.”                 

### R. Two Year Election Period for For-Profit Contractors Retaining Title Under an Advance Class Waiver 

A two (2) year period for election to retain title has been included in subparagraph (c)(3) of the for-profit, advance class waiver, patent rights clause at 970.5204-103. 

## III. Procedural Requirements 

### A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

Today's regulatory action has been determined not to be a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review,” (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Accordingly, this interim final rule is not subject to review under that Executive Order by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 

### B. Review Under Executive Order 12988

With respect to the review of existing regulations and the promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, “Civil Justice Reform,” 61 FR 4729 (February 7, 1996), imposes on Executive agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to minimize litigation; and (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard and promote simplification and burden reduction. With regard to the review required by section 3(a), section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in section 3(a) and section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this interim final regulation meets the relevant standards of Executive Order 12988. 

### C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act 

                    The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601*et seq.*, requires preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis for any rule that must be proposed for public comment and that is likely to have significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. There is no legal requirement to propose today's rule for public comment, and, therefore, the Regulatory Flexiblility Act does not apply to this rulemaking proceeding.                 

### D. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act. 

                    This interim final rule does not contain information collection requirements that require approval by the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3507*et. seq.*).                 

### E. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act 

                    DOE has concluded that promulgation of this interim final rule falls into a class of actions which would not individually or cumulatively have significant impact on the human environment, as determined by DOE's regulations (10 CFR Part 1021, subpart D) implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321*et seq.*). Specifically, this interim rule is categorically excluded from NEPA review because the amendments to the DEAR would be strictly procedural (categorical exclusion A6). Therefore, this interim final rule does not require an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment pursuant to NEPA.                 

### F. Review Under Executive Order 13132

Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 4, 1999) requires that regulations or rules be reviewed for any substantial direct effects on States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or in the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of Government. If there are sufficient substantial direct effects, then Executive Order 13132 requires agencies to engage in intergovernmental consultation and take other steps before promulgating such a regulation or rule. This interim final rule merely provides for the Department a single set of clauses to govern patent rights in its contracts for the management and operation of major DOE sites and facilities. The action does not involve any substantial direct effects on States or other considerations stated in Executive Order 13132. 

### G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4) generally requires a Federal agency to perform a detailed assessment of costs and benefits of any rule imposing a Federal Mandate with costs to State, local or tribal governments, or to the private sector, of $100 million or more. This interim final rulemaking would only affect private sector entities, and the impact is less than $100 million. 

### H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 

Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277), requires Federal agencies to issue a Family Policymaking Assessment for any proposed rule or policy that may affect family well-being. This interim final rule would not affect the family. 

### I. Congressional Notification 

Consistent with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. Secs. 801, 804), DOE will submit to Congress a report regarding the issuance of today's interim final rule prior to the effective date set forth at the outset of this notice. The report will note the Office of Management and Budget's determination that this rule does not constitute a “major rule” under that Act. 

# List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 927 and 970

      - Government procurement

Issued in Washington, D.C. on October 6, 2000. 

T.J. Glauthier,

Deputy Secretary, Department of Energy.

For the reasons set out in the preamble, Chapter 9 of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as set forth below. 

# PART 927—PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS 

1. The authority citation for Part 927 is revised to read as follows: 

Authority:                             Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2168, 2182, 2201); Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5908); Department of Energy National Security and Military Applications of Nuclear Energy Authorization Act of 1987 (42 U.S.C. 7261a.); Department of Energy Organization Act (42                                   ( print page 68935)                                U.S.C. 7101                             *et seq.*); National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50 U.S.C. 4201*et seq.*)                         

2. Section 927.303(c) is added to read as follows: 

927.303 

* * * * *

(c) Any contract that has as a purpose the design, construction, operation, or management integration of a collection of contracts for the same purpose, of a Government-owned research, development, demonstration or production facility must accord the Government certain rights with respect to further use of the facility by or on behalf of the Government upon termination of the contract. The patent rights clause in such contracts must include the following facilities license paragraph: 

                                [Insert appropriate paragraph no.]                                 *Facilities License.*                                In addition to the rights of the parties with respect to inventions or discoveries conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract, the Contractor agrees to and does hereby grant to the Government an irrevocable, nonexclusive, paid-up license in and to any inventions or discoveries regardless of when conceived or actually reduced to practice or acquired by the Contractor at any time through completion of this contract and which are incorporated or embodied in the construction of the facility or which are utilized in the operation of the facility or which cover articles, materials, or products manufactured at the facility (1) to practice or have practiced by or for the Government at the facility, and (2) to transfer such license with the transfer of that facility. Notwithstanding the acceptance or exercise by the Government of these rights, the Government may contest at any time the enforceability, validity or scope of, title to, any rights or patents herein licensed.                             

(End of paragraph) 

# PART 970—DOE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATING CONTRACTS 

3. The authority citation for Part 970 continues to read as follows: 

Authority:                            Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2201); Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7101*et seq.*); National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50 U.S.C. 2401*et seq.*).                         

4. Sections 970.2701 through 970.2704 are revised and 970.2702-1 through 970.2702-6 are added to read as follows: 

970.2701 

This subpart applies to negotiation of patent rights, rights in technical data provisions and other related provisions for the Department of Energy contracts for the management and operation of DOE's major sites or facilities, including the conduct of research and development and nuclear weapons production, and contracts which involve major, long-term or continuing activities conducted at a DOE site. 

970.2702 

970.2702-1 

Contracting officers must use the clause at 970.5204-94, Authorization and Consent, instead of the clause at 48 CFR 52.227-2. 

970.2702-2 

Contracting officers must use the clause at 970.5204-95, Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement, instead of the clause at 48 CFR 52.227-2. 

970.2702-3 

(a) Contracting officers must use the clause at 970.5204-96, Patent Indemnity-Subcontracts to assure that subcontracts appropriately address patent indemnity. 

(b) Normally, the clause at 48 CFR 52.227-3 would not be appropriate for an M&O contract; however, if there is a question, such as when the mission of the contractor involves production, the contracting officer must consult with local patent counsel and use the clause where appropriate. 

970.2702-4 

Contracting officers must use the solicitation provision at 970.5204-97, Royalty Information, and the clause at 970.5204-98, Refund of Royalties instead of the provision at 48 CFR 52.227-8 and the clause at 48 CFR 52.227-9, respectively. 

970.2702-5 

Contracting officers must include the clause at 48 CFR 52.227-23, Rights to Proposal Data, in all solicitations and contracts for the management and operation of DOE sites and facilities. 

970.2702-6 

Contracting officers must include the provision at 970.5204-100 in all solicitations for contracts for the management and operation of DOE sites or facilities. 

970.2703 

(a) DOE sites and facilities are managed and operated on behalf of the Department of Energy by a contractor, pursuant to management and operating contracts that are generally awarded for a five (5) year term, with the possibility for renewal. Special provisions relating to patent rights are appropriately incorporated into an M&O contract because of the unique circumstances and responsibilities of managing and operating a Government-owned facility, as compared to other federally funded research and development contracts. 

                            (b)(1)                             *Technology transfer mission clause.*                             In accordance with Public Law 101-189, section 3133(d), DOE may grant technology transfer authority to M&O contractors operating a DOE facility. Generally, M&O contractors have the right to elect to retain title to inventions made under the contract, whether a nonprofit or educational organizations, as a result of 35 U.S.C. 200*et seq.*                             (Bayh-Dole Act), or a large business, as a result of a class patent waiver issued pursuant to 10 CFR part 784. Under such contracts, the M&O contractor assumes responsibilities for commercializing retained inventions, in accordance with the Technology Transfer Mission clause provided at 970.5204-40. That clause also governs such activities as the distribution of royalties earned from inventions made under the contract and the transfer of patent rights in inventions made under the contract to successor contractors.                         

(2) If the M&O contractor is a nonprofit organization or small business firm having technology transfer authority, the following clauses are inserted into the M&O contract: 970.5204-40 and 970.5204-101. 

(3) If the M&O contract has technology transfer as mission and is to be performed by a for-profit, large business firm that has been granted an advance class waiver, the following clauses are inserted into the M&O contract: 970.5204-40 and 970.5204-103. The terms of the clause at 970.5204-103 are subject to modification to conform to the terms of the class waiver. 

(4) If the M&O contract does not have a technology transfer mission and is to be performed by a for-profit, large business firm and does not have advance class waiver under 10 CFR part 784, the patent rights clause at 970.5204-102 is inserted into the M&O contract, and the Technology Transfer Mission clause is inapplicable. 

                            (5) If the contractor is an educational institution, a non-profit organization or a small business firm and is conducting privately funded technology transfer activities, involving the use of private funds to conduct licensing and marketing activities related to inventions made under the contract in accordance with the Bayh-Dole Act, DOE may modify the patent rights clause (970.5204-101) to address issues such as the disposition of royalties                                   ( print page 68936)                                earned under the privately funded technology transfer program, the transfer of patent rights to a successor contractor, allowable cost restrictions concerning privately funded technology transfer activities, and the Government's freedom from any liability related to licensing under the contractor's privately funded technology transfer program.                         

(c) Contracting officers must consult with DOE patent counsel assisting the contracting activity or the Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property for assistance in selecting for use in the solicitation, negotiating, or approving appropriate patent rights clauses for a M&O contract. It may be appropriate to include more than one patent rights clause in a solicitation if the successful contractor could, for instance, be either an educational or a large business. If a large business may be selected for performance of a contract that will include a technology transfer clause, the solicitation must include the clause at 970.5204-103 to reflect the waiver that will likely be granted. If the solicitation includes more than one patent clause, it must include an explanation of the circumstances under which the appropriate clause will be used. The final award must contain only one patent rights clause. 

970.2704 

                            (a)                             *Allocation of principal rights: Bayh-Dole provisions.*                             If the management and operating contractor is an educational institution or nonprofit organization, the patent rights clause provided at 970.5204-101 must be inserted into the M&O contract. Such entities are beneficiaries of Bayh-Dole Act, including the paramount right of the contractor to elect to retain title to inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice in performance of work under the contract, except in DOE-exempted areas of technology or in operation of DOE facilities primarily dedicated to naval nuclear propulsion or weapons related programs.                         

                            (b)                             *Allocation of principal rights: Government title.*                             (1) The patent rights clause provided at 970.5204-102 must be incorporated into the M&O contract if the contractor is a for-profit, large business firm and the contract does not have a technology transfer mission or if, without regard to the type of contractor, the contract is for the operation of a DOE facility primarily dedicated to naval nuclear propulsion or weapons related programs. That clause provides for DOE's statutory obligation to take title to inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under an M&O contract, and does not contemplate an advance class waiver of Government rights in inventions, or participation by the contractor in technology transfer activities.                         

(2) While only in rare circumstances does a for-profit large business contractor whose contract contains no technology transfer mission receive rights in or title to inventions made under the contract, the contractor does have the right to request a license or foreign patent rights in inventions made under the contract, and may petition for a waiver of Government rights in identified inventions. The patent rights clause 970.5204-102 does not include many of the provisions of patent rights clauses 970.5204-101 and 970.5204-103, related to the filing of patent applications by the contractor, the granting of rights in inventions by the contractor to third parties (preference for United States industry), and conditions allowing the Government to grant licenses to third parties in inventions retained by the contractor (march-in rights). Any instrument granting rights in inventions made under a contract governed by patent rights clause 970.5204-102 must include these additional provisions within its terms and conditions. 

                            (c)                             *Allocation of principal rights: Contractor right to elect title under an advance class waiver.*                             If the M&O contractor is a for-profit, large business firm and the Government has granted an advance class waiver of Government rights in inventions made in the course of or under the M&O contract, under the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2182) and the Federal Nonnuclear Energy Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5908(c)), the patent rights clause provided at 970.5204-103 must be inserted into the M&O contract, unless the terms and conditions of such an approved waiver alter or replace the patent rights clause provisions pursuant to 10 CFR part 784.                         

                            (d)                             *Extensions of time—DOE discretion.*                             The patent rights clauses for M&O contracts require the contractor to take certain actions within prescribed time periods to comply with the contract and preserve its rights in inventions. The M&O contractor may request extensions of time in which to take such actions by submitting written justification to DOE, and DOE may grant the contractor's requests, on a case-by-case basis. If the time period expired due to negligence by the contractor, DOE may grant a request for an extension of time upon a showing by the contractor that corrective procedures are in place to avoid such negligence in the future. If a contractor is requesting an extension of time in which to elect to retain title to an invention, DOE may grant the request if the extension allows the contractor to conduct further experimentation, market research, or other analysis helpful to determine contractor interest in electing title to the invention, among other considerations. Generally, the extensions of time are for periods of between six (6) months to one (1) year.                         

                            (e)                             *Facilities license.*                             These include the rights to make, use, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all articles, materials, products, or processes embodying inventions or discoveries used or embodied in the facility regardless of whether or not conceived or first actually reduced to practice under or in the course of such a contract. The patent rights clauses, 970.5204-101, 970.5204-102, and 970.5204-103, each contain a provision granting the Government this facilities license.                         

                            (f)                             *Deletion of classified inventions provision.*                             If DOE determines that the research, development, demonstration or production work to be performed during the course of a management and operating contract most probably will not involve classified subject matter or result in any inventions that require security classification, DOE patent counsel may advise the contracting officer to delete the patent rights clause provision entitled, “Classified Inventions” from the M&O contract.                         

                            (g)                             *Alternate 1—Weapons related research or production.*                             If DOE grants technology transfer authority to a DOE facility, pursuant to Public Law 101-189 section 3133(d), and the DOE owned facility is involved in weapons related research and development, or production, then Alternate 1 of the patent rights clauses must be inserted into the M&O contract. Alternate 1 defines weapons related subject inventions and restricts the contractor's rights with respect to such inventions.                         

970.5204-71 and 970.5204-72 

5. Sections 970.5204-71 and 970.5204-72 are removed and reserved. 

6. Sections 970.5204-94 through 970.5204-98 and 970.5204-100 through 970.5204-103 are added to read as follows: 

970.5204-94 

Insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts in accordance with 970.2702-1: 
      ( print page 68937)    

## Authorization and Consent (Nov. 2000) 

(a) The Government authorizes and consents to all use and manufacture of any invention described in and covered by a United States patent in the performance of this contract or any subcontract at any tier. 

(b) If the Contractor is sued for copyright infringement or anticipates the filing of such a lawsuit, the Contractor may request authorization and consent to copy a copyrighted work from the contracting officer. Programmatic necessity is a major consideration for DOE in determining whether to grant such request. 

(c) The Contractor agrees to include, and require inclusion of, the Authorization and Consent clause at 52.227-1, without Alternate 1, but suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts at any tier for supplies or services (including construction, architect-engineer services, and materials, supplies, models, samples, and design or testing services expected to exceed $25,000). 

(d) The Contractor agrees to include, and require inclusion of, paragraph (a) of this Authorization and Consent clause, suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts at any tier for research and development activities. Omission of an authorization and consent clause from any subcontract, including those valued less than $25,000 does not affect this authorization and consent. 

(End of clause) 

970.5204-95 

Insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts in accordance with 970.2702-2: 

## Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement (Nov. 2000) 

(a) The Contractor shall report to the Contracting Officer promptly and in reasonable written detail, each notice or claim of patent or copyright infringement based on the performance of this contract of which the Contractor has knowledge. 

(b) If any person files a claim or suit against the Government on account of any alleged patent or copyright infringement arising out of the performance of this contract or out of the use of any supplies furnished or work or services performed hereunder, the Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when requested by the Contracting Officer, all evidence and information in possession of the Contractor pertaining to such suit or claim. Except where the Contractor has agreed to indemnify the Government, the Contractor shall furnish such evidence and information at the expense of the Government. 

(c) The Contractor agrees to include, and require inclusion of, this clause suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts at any tier expected to exceed $25,000. 

(End of clause) 

970.5204-96 

Insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts in accordance with 970.2702-3: 

## Patent Indemnity—Subcontracts (Nov. 2000) 

Except as otherwise authorized by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall obtain indemnification of the Government and its officers, agents, and employees against liability, including costs, for infringement of any United States patent (except a patent issued upon an application that is now or may hereafter be withheld from issue pursuant to a secrecy order by the Government) from Contractor's subcontractors for any contract work subcontracted in accordance with FAR 48 CFR 52.227-3. 

(End of clause) 

970.5204-97 

Insert the following provision in solicitations in accordance with 970.2702-4: 

## Royalty Information (Nov. 2000) 

                                (a)                                 *Cost or charges for royalties.*                                 If the response to this solicitation contains costs or charges for royalties totaling more than $250, the following information shall be included in the response relating to each separate item of royalty or license fee:                             

(1) Name and address of licensor; 

(2) Date of license agreement; 

(3) Patent numbers, patent application serial numbers, or other basis on which the royalty is payable; 

(4) Brief description, including any part or model numbers of each contract item or component on which the royalty is payable; 

(5) Percentage or dollar rate of royalty per unit; 

(6) Unit price of contract item; 

(7) Number of units; and 

(8) Total dollar amount of royalties. 

                                (b)                                 *Copies of current licenses.*                                 In addition, if specifically requested by the Contracting Officer before execution of the contract, the offeror shall furnish a copy of the current license agreement and an identification of applicable claims of specific patents or other basis upon which the royalty may be payable.                            

(End of provision)

970.5204-98 

Insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts in accordance with 970.2702-4:

## Refund of Royalties (Nov 2000) 

(a) The contract price includes certain amounts for royalties, payable by the Contractor or subcontractors or both, reported to the Contracting Officer in accordance with the Royalty Information provision of the solicitation. 

(b) During performance of this contract, if any additional royalty payments are proposed to be charged to the Government as costs under the contract that were not included in the original contract price, the Contractor agrees to submit for approval of the Contracting Officer prior to the execution of any licensing agreement the following information relating to each separate item of royalty or license fee: 

(1) Name and address of licensor; 

(2) Date of license agreement; 

(3) Patent numbers, patent application serial numbers, or other basis on which the royalty is payable; 

(4) Brief description, including any part or model numbers of each contract item or component on which the royalty is payable; 

(5) Percentage or dollar rate of royalty per unit; 

(6) Unit price of contract item; 

(7) Number of units; and

(8) Total dollar amount of royalties. 

(9) In addition, if specifically requested by the Contracting Officer, the contractor shall furnish a copy of the current license agreement and an identification of applicable claims of specific patents. 

(c) The term “royalties” as used in this clause refers to any costs or charges in the nature of royalties, license fees, patent or license amortization costs, or the like, for the use of or for rights in patents and patent applications in connection with performing this contract or any subcontract hereunder. The term also includes any costs or charges associated with the access to, use of, or other right pertaining to data that is represented to be proprietary and is related to the performance of this contract or subcontracts, or the copying of such data or data that is copyrighted. 

(d) The Contractor shall furnish to the Contracting Officer, before final payment under this contract, a statement of royalties paid or required to be paid in connection with performing this contract and subcontracts hereunder. 

(e) The Contractor is compensated for any royalties reported under paragraph (b) of this clause only to the extent that such royalties were included in the contract price and are determined by the Contracting Officer to be properly chargeable to the Government and allocable to the contract. 

(f) The Contracting Officer shall reduce the contract price to the extent any royalties that are included in the contract price are not, in fact, paid by the Contractor or are determined by the Contracting Officer not to be properly chargeable to the Government and allocable to the contract. The Contractor agrees to repay or credit the Government accordingly, as the Contracting Officer directs. Regardless of prior DOE approval of any individual payments or royalties, DOE may contest at any time the enforceability, validity, scope of, or title to, a patent or the proprietary nature of data pursuant to which DOE makes a royalty or other payment. 

(g) If at any time within 3 years after final payment under this contract, the Contractor for any reason is relieved in whole or in part from the payment of the royalties included in the final contract price as adjusted pursuant to paragraph (f) of this clause, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Office of that fact and shall promptly reimburse the Government in a corresponding amount. 

                        (h) The Contractor agrees to include, and require inclusion of, this clause, including this paragraph (h), suitably modified to                               ( print page 68938)                            identify the parties in any subcontract at any tier in which the amount of royalties reported during negotiation of the subcontract exceeds $250.                     

(End of clause)

970.5204-100 

Insert the following provision in solicitations in accordance with 970.2704-6:

## Notice of Right To Request Patent Waiver (Nov. 2000) 

                            Offerors have the right to request a waiver of all or any part of the rights of the United States in inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice in performance of the contract, in advance of or within 30 days after the effective date of contracting. If such advance waiver is not requested or the request is denied, the Contractor has a continuing right under the contract to request a waiver of the rights of the Government in identified inventions, i.e., individual inventions conceived or first actually reduced to practice in performance of the contract. Contractors that are domestic small businesses and domestic nonprofit organizations may not need a waiver and will have included in their contracts a patent clause reflecting their right to elect title to subject inventions pursuant to the Bayh-Dole Act (35 U.S.C. 200*et seq.*).                        

(End of provision) 

970.5204-101

As prescribed in 970.2703(c), insert the following clause:

## Patent Rights—Management and Operating Contracts, Nonprofit Organization or Small Business Firm Contractor (Nov. 2000)

(a) Definitions. 

                                (1)                                 *DOE licensing regulations*                                 means the Department of Energy patent licensing regulations at 10 CFR part 781.                             

                                (2)                                 *Exceptional circumstance subject invention*                                 means any subject invention in a technical field or related to a task determined by the Department of Energy to be subject to an exceptional circumstance under 35 U.S.C. 202(a)(ii) and in accordance with 37 CFR 401.3(e).                             

                                (3)                                 *Invention*                                 means any invention or discovery which is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under Title 35 of the United States Code, or any novel variety of plant which is or may be protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321*et seq.*).                             

                                (4)                                 *Made*                                 when used in relation to any invention means the conception or first actual reduction to practice of such invention.                             

                                (5)                                 *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.                             

                                (6)                                 *Patent Counsel*                                 means the Department of Energy (DOE) Patent Counsel assisting the DOE contracting activity.                             

                                (7)                                 *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.                             

                                (8)                                 *Small business firm*                                 means a small business concern as defined at section 2 of Pub. L. 85-536 (15 U.S.C. 632) and implementing regulations of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. For the purpose of this clause, the size standards for small business concerns involved in Government procurement and subcontracting at 13 CFR 121.3-8 and 13 CFR 121.3-12, respectively, are used.                             

                                (9)                                 *Subject invention*                                 means any invention of the contractor conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the performance of work under this contract, provided that in the case of a variety of plant, the date of determination (as defined in section 41(d) of the Plant Variety Protection Act, 7 U.S.C. 2401(d)) shall also occur during the period of contract performance.                             

                                (b)                                 *Allocation of principal rights.*                                 (1)                                 *Retention of title by the Contractor.*                                 Except for exceptional circumstance subject inventions, the contractor may retain the entire right, title, and interest throughout the world to each subject invention subject to the provisions of this clause and 35 U.S.C. 203. With respect to any subject invention in which the Contractor retains title, the Federal government shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced for or on behalf of the United States the subject invention throughout the world.                             

                                (2)                                 *Exceptional circumstance subject inventions.*                                 Except to the extent that rights are retained by the Contractor in a determination of exceptional circumstances or granted to a contractor through a determination of greater rights in accordance with subparagraph (b)(4) of this clause, the Contractor does not have a right to retain title to any exceptional circumstance subject inventions and agrees to assign to the Government the entire right, title, and interest, throughout the world, in and to any exceptional circumstance subject inventions.                             

(i) Inventions within or relating to the following fields of technology are exceptional circumstance subject inventions: 

(A) Uranium enrichment technology; 

(B) Storage and disposal of civilian high-level nuclear waste and spent fuel technology; and

(C) National security technologies classified or sensitive under Section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 2168). 

(ii) Inventions made under any agreement, contract or subcontract related to the following are exceptional circumstance subject inventions: 

(A) DOE Steel Initiative and Metals Initiative; 

(B) U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium; and

(C) Any funding agreement which is funded in part by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) or the Gas Research Institute (GRI). 

(iii) DOE reserves the right to unilaterally amend this contract to modify, by deletion or insertion, technical fields, tasks, or other classifications for the purpose of determining DOE exceptional circumstance subject inventions. 

                                (3)                                 *Treaties and international agreements.*                                 Any rights acquired by the Contractor in subject inventions are subject to any disposition of right, title, or interest in or to subject inventions provided for in treaties or international agreements identified at Appendix [                                *Insert Reference*] to this contract. DOE reserves the right to unilaterally amend this contract to identify specific treaties or international agreements entered into or to be entered into by the Government after the effective date of this contract and to effectuate those license or other rights which are necessary for the Government to meet its obligations to foreign governments, their nationals and international organizations under such treaties or international agreements with respect to subject inventions made after the date of the amendment.                             

                                (4)                                 *Contractor request for greater rights in exceptional circumstance subject inventions.*                                 The Contractor may request rights greater than allowed by the exceptional circumstance determination in an exceptional circumstance subject invention by submitting such a request in writing to Patent Counsel at the time the exceptional circumstance subject invention is disclosed to DOE or within eight (8) months after conception or first actual reduction to practice of the exceptional circumstance subject invention, whichever occurs first, unless a longer period is authorized in writing by the Patent Counsel for good cause shown in writing by the Contractor. DOE may, in its discretion, grant or refuse to grant such a request by the Contractor.                             

                                (5)                                 *Contractor employee-inventor rights.*                                 If the Contractor does not elect to retain title to a subject invention or does not request greater rights in an exceptional circumstance subject invention, a Contractor employee-inventor, after consultation with the Contractor and with written authorization from the Contractor in accordance with 10 CFR 784.9(b)(4), may request greater rights, including title, in the subject invention or the exceptional circumstance invention from DOE, and DOE may, in its discretion, grant or refuse to grant such a request by the Contractor employee-inventor.                             

                                (6)                                 *Government assignment of rights in Government employees' subject inventions.*                                 If a Government employee is a joint inventor of a subject invention or of an exceptional circumstance subject invention to which the Contractor has rights, the Government may assign or refuse to assign to the Contractor any rights in the subject invention or exceptional circumstance subject invention acquired by the Government from the Government employee, in accordance with 48 CFR 27.304-1(d). The rights assigned to                                       ( print page 68939)                                    the Contractor are subject to any provision of this clause that is applicable to subject inventions in which the Contractor retains title, including reservation by the Government of a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license, except that the Contractor shall file its initial patent application claiming the subject invention or exceptional circumstance invention within one (1) year after the assignment of such rights. The Contractor shall share royalties collected for the manufacture, use or sale of the subject invention with the Government employee, as DOE deems appropriate.                             

                                (c)                                 *Subject invention disclosure, election of title and filing of patent application by contractor.*                                 (1)                                 *Subject invention disclosure.*                                 The contractor will disclose each subject invention to the Patent Counsel within two months after the inventor discloses it in writing to contractor personnel responsible for patent matters. The disclosure to the agency shall be in the form of a written report and shall identify the contract under which the invention was made and the inventor(s) and all sources of funding by B&R code for the invention. It shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail to convey a clear understanding to the extent known at the time of the disclosure, of the nature, purpose, operation, and the physical, chemical, biological or electrical characteristics of the invention. The disclosure shall also identify any publication, on sale or public use of the invention and whether a manuscript describing the invention has been submitted for publication and, if so, whether it has been accepted for publication at the time of disclosure. The disclosure shall include a written statement as to whether the invention falls within an exceptional circumstance field. DOE will make a determination and advise the Contractor within 30 days of receipt of an invention disclosure as to whether the invention is an exceptional circumstance subject invention. In addition, after disclosure to the Patent Counsel, the Contractor will promptly notify the agency of the acceptance of any manuscript describing the invention for publication or of any on sale or public use planned by the contractor. The Contractor shall obtain approval from Patent Counsel prior to any release or publication of information concerning any nonelectable subject invention such as an exceptional circumstance subject invention or any subject invention related to a treaty or international agreement.                             

                                (2)                                 *Election by the Contractor.*                                 Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this clause, the Contractor will elect in writing whether or not to retain title to any such invention by notifying the Federal agency within two years of disclosure to the Federal agency. However, in any case where publication, on sale or public use has initiated the one year statutory period wherein valid patent protection can still be obtained in the United States, the period for election of title may be shortened by the agency to a date that is no more than 60 days prior to the end of the statutory period.                             

                                (3)                                 *Filing of patent applications by the Contractor.*                                 The Contractor will file its initial patent application on a subject invention to which it elects to retain title within one year after election of title or, if earlier, or prior to the end of any 1-year statutory period wherein valid patent protection can be obtained in the United States after a publication, on sale, or public use. The Contractor will file patent applications in additional countries or international patent offices within either ten months of the corresponding initial patent application or six months from the date permission is granted by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to file foreign patent applications where such filing has been prohibited by a Secrecy Order.                             

                                (4)                                 *Contractor's request for an extension of time.*                                 Requests for an extension of the time for disclosure, election, and filing under subparagraphs (c)(1), (2) and (3) may, at the discretion of Patent Counsel, be granted.                             

                                (5)                                 *Publication approval.*                                 During the course of the work under this contract, the Contractor or its employees may desire to release or publish information regarding scientific or technical developments conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract. In order that public disclosure of such information will not adversely affect the patent interest of DOE or the Contractor, approval for release or publication shall be secured from the Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters prior to any such release or publication. Where DOE's approval of publication is requested, DOE's response to such requests for approval shall normally be provided within 90 days except in circumstances in which a domestic patent application must be filed in order to protect foreign rights. In the case involving foreign patent rights, DOE shall be granted an additional 180 days with which to respond to the request for approval, unless extended by mutual agreement.                             

                                (d)                                 *Conditions when the Government may obtain title.*                                The Contractor will convey to the DOE, upon written request, title to any subject invention—                            

(1) If the Contractor fails to disclose or elect title to the subject invention within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause, or elects not to retain title; provided, that DOE may only request title within sixty (60) days after learning of the failure of the Contractor to disclose or to elect within the specified times . 

(2) In those countries in which the Contractor fails to file a patent application within the times specified in subparagraph (c) above; provided, however, that if the Contractor has filed a patent application in a country after the times specified in subparagraph (c) above, but prior to its receipt of the written request of the DOE, the Contractor shall continue to retain title in that country. 

(3) In any country in which the Contractor decides not to continue the prosecution of any application for, to pay the maintenance fees on, or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on, a patent on a subject invention. 

(4) If the Contractor requests that DOE acquire title or rights from the Contractor in a subject invention to which the Contractor had initially retained title or rights, or in an exceptional circumstance subject invention to which the Contractor was granted greater rights, DOE may acquire such title or rights from the Contractor, or DOE may decide against acquiring such title or rights from the Contractor, at DOE's sole discretion. 

                                (e)                                 *Minimum rights of the Contractor and Protection of the Contractor's right to file.*                                (1)                                 *Request for a Contractor license.*                                 The Contractor may request the right to reserve a revocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license throughout the world in each subject invention to which the Government obtains title, except if the Contractor fails to disclose the invention within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause. DOE may grant or refuse to grant such a request by the Contractor. When DOE approves such reservation, the Contractor's license will normally extend to its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates, if any, within the corporate structure of which the Contractor is a party and includes the right to grant sublicenses of the same scope to the extent the Contractor was legally obligated to do so at the time the contract was awarded. The license is transferable only with the approval of DOE, except when transferred to the successor of that part of the contractor's business to which the invention pertains.                             

                                (2)                                 *Revocation or modification of a Contractor license.*                                 The Contractor's domestic license may be revoked or modified by DOE to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention pursuant to an application for an exclusive license submitted in accordance with applicable provisions at 37 CFR part 404 and DOE licensing regulations at 10 CFR part 781. This license will not be revoked in the 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 at the discretion of DOE to the extent the Contractor, its licensees, or the domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have failed to achieve practical application of the subject invention in that foreign country.                             

                                (3)                                 *Notice of revocation of modification of a Contractor license.*                                 Before revocation or modification of the license, DOE will furnish the Contractor a written notice of its intention to revoke or modify the license, and the Contractor will be allowed thirty days (or such other time as may be authorized by DOE for good cause shown by the Contractor) 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 DOE licensing regulations at 10 CFR part 781 concerning the licensing of Government owned inventions, any decision concerning the revocation or modification of the license.                             

                                (f)                                 *Contractor action to protect the Government's interest.*

                                (1)                                 *Execution of delivery of title or license instruments.*                                 The Contractor agrees to execute or to have executed, and promptly deliver to the Patent Counsel all instruments necessary to accomplish the following actions:                             

                                (i) Establish or confirm the rights the Government has throughout the world in                                       ( print page 68940)                                    those subject inventions to which the Contractor elects to retain title, and                             

(ii) Convey title to DOE when requested under subparagraphs (b) or paragraph (d) of this clause and to enable the Government to obtain patent protection throughout the world in that subject invention. 

                                (2)                                 *Contractor employee agreements.*                                 The Contractor agrees to require, by written agreement, its employees, other than clerical and nontechnical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to Contractor personnel identified as responsible for the administration of patent matters and in a format suggested by the Contractor, each subject invention made under this contract in order that the Contractor can comply with the disclosure provisions of paragraph (c) of this clause, and to execute all papers necessary to file patent applications on subject inventions and to establish the Government's rights in the subject inventions. This disclosure format should require, as a minimum, the information required by subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause. The Contractor shall instruct such employees, through employee agreements or other suitable educational programs, on the importance of reporting inventions in sufficient time to permit the filing of patent applications prior to U.S. or foreign statutory bars.                             

                                (3)                                 *Notification of discontinuation of patent protection.*                                 The contractor will notify the Patent Counsel of any decision not to continue the prosecution of a patent application, pay maintenance fees, or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on a patent, in any country, not less than thirty days before the expiration of the response period required by the relevant patent office.                             

                                (4)                                 *Notification of Government rights.*                                 The contractor agrees to include, within the specification of any United States patent applications and any patent issuing thereon covering a subject invention, the following statement, “This invention was made with government support under (identify the contract) awarded by (identify the Federal agency). The government has certain rights in the invention.”                             

                                (5)                                 *Invention identification procedures.*                                 The Contractor shall establish and maintain active and effective procedures to ensure that subject inventions are promptly identified and timely disclosed and shall submit a written description of such procedures to the Contracting Officer so that the Contracting Officer may evaluate and determine their effectiveness.                             

                                (6)                                 *Invention filing documentation.*                                 If the Contractor files a domestic or foreign patent application claiming a subject invention, the Contractor shall promptly submit to Patent Counsel, upon request, the following information and documents:                             

(i) The filing date, serial number, title, and a copy of the patent application (including an English-language version if filed in a language other than English); 

(ii) An executed and approved instrument fully confirmatory of all Government rights in the subject invention; and

(iii) The patent number, issue date, and a copy of any issued patent claiming the subject invention. 

                                (7)                                 *Duplication and disclosure of documents.*                                 The Government may duplicate and disclose subject invention disclosures and all other reports and papers furnished or required to be furnished pursuant to this clause; provided, however, that any such duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to the confidentiality provision at 35 U.S.C. 205 and 37 CFR part 40.                             

                                (g)                                 *Subcontracts.*                                 (1)                                 *Subcontractor subject inventions.*                                 The Contractor shall not obtain rights in the subcontractor's subject inventions as part of the consideration for awarding a subcontract.                             

                                (2)                                 *Inclusion of patent rights clause—non-profit organization or small business firm subcontractors.*                                 Unless otherwise authorized or directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall include the patent rights clause at 48 CFR 952.227-11, suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts, at any tier, for experimental, developmental, demonstration or research work to be performed by a small business firm or domestic nonprofit organization, except subcontracts which are subject to exceptional circumstances in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 202 and subparagraph (b)(2) of this clause. The subcontractor retains all rights provided for the contractor in the patent rights clause at 48 CFR 952.227-11.                             

                                (3)                                 *Inclusion of patent rights clause—subcontractors other than non-profit organizations and small business firms.*                                 Except for the subcontracts described in subparagraph (g)(2) of this clause, the Contractor shall include the patent rights clause at 48 CFR 952.227-13, suitably modified to identify the parties, in any contract for experimental, developmental, demonstration or research work. For subcontracts subject to exceptional circumstances, the contractor must consult with DOE patent counsel with respect to the appropriate patent clause.                             

                                (4)                                 *DOE and subcontractor contract.*                                 With respect to subcontracts at any tier, DOE, the subcontractor, and the Contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subcontractor and DOE with respect to the matters covered by the clause; provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph is intended to confer any jurisdiction under the Contract Disputes Act in connection with proceedings under paragraph (j) of this clause.                             

                                (5)                                 *Subcontractor refusal to accept terms of patent clause.*                                 If a prospective subcontractor refuses to accept the terms of a patent rights clause, the Contractor shall promptly submit a written notice to the Contracting Officer stating the subcontractor's reasons for such a refusal, including any relevant information for expediting disposition of the matter, and the Contractor shall not proceed with the subcontract without the written authorization of the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (6)                                 *Notification of award of subcontract.*                                 Upon the award of any subcontract at any tier containing a patent rights clause, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer in writing and identify the subcontractor, the applicable patent rights clause, the work to be performed under the subcontract, and the dates of award and estimated completion. Upon request of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall furnish a copy of a subcontract.                             

                                (7)                                 *Identification of subcontractor subject inventions.*                                 If the Contractor in the performance of this contract becomes aware of a subject invention made under a subcontract, the Contractor shall promptly notify Patent Counsel and identify the subject invention.                             

                                (h)                                 *Reporting on utilization of subject inventions.*                                 The Contractor agrees to submit to DOE on request, periodic reports, no more frequently than annually, on the utilization of a subject invention or on efforts at obtaining such utilization that are being made by the Contractor or its licensees or assignees. Such reports shall include information regarding the status of development, date of first commercial sale or use, gross royalties received by the Contractor, and such other data and information as DOE may reasonably specify. The Contractor also agrees to provide additional reports as may be requested by DOE in connection with any march-in proceeding undertaken by DOE in accordance with paragraph (j) of this clause. As required by 35 U.S.C. 202(c)(5), DOE agrees it will not disclose such information to persons outside the Government without permission of the Contractor.                             

                                (i)                                 *Preference for United States industry.*                                Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause, the Contractor agrees that neither it nor any assignee will grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States unless such person agrees that any product 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 such an agreement may be waived by DOE upon a showing by the Contractor or its 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.                             

                                (j)                                 *March-in rights.*                                The Contractor agrees that, with respect to any subject invention in which it has acquired title, DOE has the right in accordance with the procedures in 37 CFR 401.6 and any DOE supplemental regulations to 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 a responsible applicant or applicants, upon terms that are reasonable under the circumstances, and, if the Contractor, assignee or exclusive licensee refuses such a request, DOE has the right to grant such a license itself if DOE determines that—                            

(1) Such action is necessary 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 such field of use; 

                                (2) Such action is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs which are not reasonably satisfied by the Contractor, assignee, or their licensees;                                       ( print page 68941)    

(3) Such action is necessary to meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations and such requirements are not reasonably satisfied by the Contractor, assignee, or licensees; or 

(4) Such action is necessary because the agreement required by paragraph (i) of this clause has not been obtained or waived, or because a licensee of the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States is in breach of such agreement. 

                                (k)                                 *Special provisions for contracts with nonprofit organizations.*

If the Contractor is a nonprofit organization, it agrees that—

                                (1)                                 *DOE approval of assignment of rights.*                                 Rights to a subject invention in the United States may not be assigned by the Contractor without the approval of DOE, except where such assignment is made to an organization which has as one of its primary functions the management of inventions; provided, that such assignee will be subject to the same provisions of this clause as the Contractor.                             

                                (2)                                 *Small business firm licensees.*                                 It will make efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to attract licensees of subject inventions that are small business firms, and that it will give a preference to a small business firm when licensing a subject invention if the Contractor determines that the small business firm has a plan or proposal for marketing the invention which, if executed, is equally as likely to bring the invention to practical application as any plans or proposals from applicants that are not small business firms; provided, that the Contractor is also satisfied that the small business firm has the capability and resources to carry out its plan or proposal. The decision whether to give a preference in any specific case will be at the discretion of the Contractor. However, the Contractor agrees that the Secretary of Commerce may review the Contractor's licensing program and decisions regarding small business firm applicants, and the Contractor will negotiate changes to its licensing policies, procedures, or practices with the Secretary of Commerce when that Secretary's review discloses that the Contractor could take reasonable steps to more effectively implement the requirements of this subparagraph (k)(2).                             

                                (3)                                 *Contractor licensing of subject inventions.*                                 To the extent that it provides the most effective technology transfer, licensing of subject inventions shall be administered by Contractor employees on location at the facility.                             

                                (l)                                 *Communications.*                                The Contractor shall direct any notification, disclosure or request provided for in this clause to the Patent Counsel assisting the DOE contracting activity.                             

                                (m)                                 *Reports.*                                (1)                                 *Interim reports.*                                 Upon DOE's request, the Contractor shall submit to DOE, no more frequently than annually, a list of subject inventions disclosed to DOE during a specified period, or a statement that no subject inventions were made during the specified period; and a list of subcontracts containing a patent clause and awarded by the Contractor during a specified period, or a statement that no such subcontracts were awarded during the specified period.                             

                                (2)                                 *Final reports.*                                 Upon DOE's request, the Contractor shall submit to DOE, prior to closeout of the contract, a list of all subject inventions disclosed during the performance period of the contract, or a statement that no subject inventions were made during the contract performance period; and a list of all subcontracts containing a patent clause and awarded by the Contractor during the contract performance period, or a statement that no such subcontracts were awarded during the contract performance period.                             

                                (n)                                 *Examination of Records Relating to Subject Inventions.*                                (1)                                 *Contractor compliance.*                                 Until the expiration of three (3) years after final payment under this contract, the Contracting Officer or any authorized representative may examine any books (including laboratory notebooks), records, documents, and other supporting data of the Contractor, which the Contracting Officer or authorized representative deems reasonably pertinent to the discovery or identification of subject inventions, including exceptional circumstance subject inventions, or to determine Contractor compliance with any requirement of this clause.                             

                                (2)                                 *Unreported inventions.*                                 If the Contracting Officer is aware of an invention that is not disclosed by the Contractor to DOE, and the Contracting Officer believes the unreported invention may be a subject invention, including exceptional circumstance subject inventions, DOE may require the Contractor to submit to DOE a disclosure of the invention for a determination of ownership rights.                             

                                (3)                                 *Confidentiality.*                                 Any examination of records under this paragraph is subject to appropriate conditions to protect the confidentiality of the information involved.                             

                                (4)                                 *Power of inspection.*                                 With respect to a subject invention for which the Contractor has responsibility for patent prosecution, the Contractor shall furnish the Government, upon request by DOE, an irrevocable power to inspect and make copies of a prosecution file for any patent application claiming the subject invention.                             

                                (o)                                 *Facilities License.*                                 In addition to the rights of the parties with respect to inventions or discoveries conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract, the Contractor agrees to and does hereby grant to the Government an irrevocable, nonexclusive, paid-up license in and to any inventions or discoveries regardless of when conceived or actually reduced to practice or acquired by the Contractor at any time through completion of this contract and which are incorporated or embodied in the construction of the facility or which are utilized in the operation of the facility or which cover articles, materials, or product manufactured at the facility (1) to practice or have practiced by or for the Government at the facility, and (2) to transfer such license with the transfer of that facility. Notwithstanding the acceptance or exercise by the Government of these rights, the Government may contest at any time the enforceability, validity or scope of, or title to, any rights or patents herein licensed.                             

                                (p)                                 *Atomic Energy.*                                 (1)                                 *Pecuniary awards.*                                 No claim for pecuniary award of compensation under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, may be asserted with respect to any invention or discovery made or conceived in the course of or under this contract.                             

                                (2)                                 *Patent agreements.*                                 Except as otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall obtain patent agreements to effectuate the provisions of subparagraph (p)(1) of this clause from all persons who perform any part of the work under this contract, except nontechnical personnel, such as clerical employees and manual laborers.                             

                                (q)                                 *Classified Inventions.*                                 (1)                                 *Approval for filing a foreign patent application.*                                 The Contractor shall not file or cause to be filed an application or registration for a patent disclosing a subject invention related to classified subject matter in any country other than the United States without first obtaining the written approval of the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (2)                                 *Transmission of classified subject matter.*                                 If in accordance with this clause the Contractor files a patent application in the United States disclosing a subject invention that is classified for reasons of security, the Contractor shall observe all applicable security regulations covering the transmission of classified subject matter. If the Contractor transmits a patent application disclosing a classified subject invention to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Contractor shall submit a separate letter to the USPTO identifying the contract or contracts by agency and agreement number that require security classification markings to be placed on the patent application.                             

                                (3)                                 *Inclusion of clause in subcontracts.*                                 The Contractor agrees to include the substance of this clause in subcontracts at any tier that cover or are likely to cover subject matter classified for reasons of security.                             

                                (r)                                 *Patent Functions.*                                 Upon the written request of the Contracting Officer or Patent Counsel, the Contractor agrees to make reasonable efforts to support DOE in accomplishing patent-related functions for work arising out of the contract, including, but not limited to, the prosecution of patent applications, and the determination of questions of novelty, patentability, and inventorship.                             

                                (s)                                 *Educational Awards Subject to 35 U.S.C. 212.*                                 The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer prior to the placement of any person subject to 35 U.S.C. 212 in an area of technology or task (1) related to exceptional circumstance technology or (2) which is subject to treaties or international agreements as set forth in paragraph (b)(3) of this clause or agreements other than funding agreements. The Contracting Officer may disapprove of any such placement.                             

                                (t)                                 *Annual Appraisal by Patent Counsel.*                                 Patent Counsel may conduct an annual appraisal to evaluate the Contractor's effectiveness in identifying and protecting subject inventions in accordance with DOE policy.                             

(End of clause) 

## Alternate 1: Weapons Related Subject Inventions. 

                                As prescribed at 970.2704-(k), insert the following as subparagraphs (a)(10) and (b)(7), respectively:                                       ( print page 68942)    

                                (a)                                 *Definitions.*

                                (10)                                 *Weapons related subject invention*                                 means any subject invention conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under work funded by or through defense programs, including Department of Defense and intelligence reimbursable work, or the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program of the Department of Energy.                             

                                (b)                                 *Allocation of Principal Rights.*

                                (7)                                 *Weapons related subject inventions.*                                 Except to the extent that DOE is solely satisfied that the Contractor meets certain procedural requirements and DOE grants rights to the Contractor in weapons related subject inventions, the Contractor does not have the right to retain title to any weapons related subject inventions.                             

(End of Alternate) 

970.5204-102 

Insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts in accordance with 970.2703(c): 

## Patent Rights—Management and Operating Contracts, For-Profit Contractor, Non-Technology Transfer (Nov 2000) 

                                (a)                                 *Definitions.*                                 (1)                                 *DOE licensing regulations*                                means the Department of Energy patent licensing regulations at 10 CFR part 781.                             

                                (2)                                 *DOE patent waiver regulations*                                 means the Department of Energy patent waiver regulations at 10 CFR part 784.                             

                                (3)                                 *Invention*                                means any invention or discovery which is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under title 35 of the United States Code, or any novel variety of plant which is or may be protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321,                                 *et seq.*).                             

                                (4)                                 *Made*                                 when used in relation to any invention means the conception or first actual reduction to practice of such invention.                             

                                (5)                                 *Patent Counsel*                                 means DOE Patent Counsel assisting the contracting activity.                             

                                (6)                                 *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.                             

                                (7)                                 *Subject Invention*                                 means any invention of the contractor conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract, provided that in the case of a variety of plant, the date of determination (as defined in section 41(d) of the Plant Variety Protection Act, 7 U.S.C. 2401(d)) shall also occur during the period of contract performance.                             

                                (b)                                 *Allocation of Principal Rights.*                                 (1)                                 *Assignment to the Government.*                                 Except to the extent that rights are retained by the Contractor by a determination of greater rights in accordance with subparagraph (b)(2) of this clause or by a request for foreign patent rights in accordance with subparagraph (d)(2) of this clause, the Contractor agrees to assign to the Government the entire right, title, and interest throughout the world in and to each subject invention.                             

                                (2)                                 *Greater rights determinations.*                                 The Contractor, or an Contractor employee-inventor after consultation with the Contractor and with the written authorization of the Contractor in accordance with DOE patent waiver regulations, may request greater rights, including title, in an identified subject invention than the nonexclusive license and the foreign patent rights provided for in paragraph (d) of this clause, in accordance with the DOE patent waiver regulations. Such a request shall be submitted in writing to Patent Counsel with a copy to the Contracting Officer at the time the subject invention is first disclosed to DOE in accordance with subparagraph (c)(2) of this clause, or not later than eight (8) months after such disclosure, unless a longer period is authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer for good cause shown in writing by the Contractor. DOE may grant or refuse to grant such a request by the Contractor or Contractor employee-inventor. Unless otherwise provided in the greater rights determination, any rights in a subject invention obtained by the Contractor pursuant to a determination of greater rights are subject to a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to the Government to practice or have practiced the subject invention throughout the world by or on behalf of the Government of the United States (including any Government agency), and to any reservations and conditions deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Energy or designee.                             

                                (c)                                 *Subject Invention Disclosures.*                                (1)                                 *Contractor procedures for reporting subject inventions to Contractor personnel.*                                 Subject inventions shall be reported to Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters within six (6) months of conception and/or first actual reduction to practice, whichever occurs first in the performance of work under this contract. Accordingly, the Contractor shall establish and maintain effective procedures for ensuring such prompt identification and timely disclosure of subject inventions to Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters, and the procedures shall include the maintenance of laboratory notebooks, or equivalent records, and other records that are reasonably necessary to document the conception and/or the first actual reduction to practice of subject inventions, and the maintenance of records demonstrating compliance with such procedures. The Contractor shall submit a written description of such procedures to the Contracting Officer, upon request, for evaluation of the effectiveness of such procedures by the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (2)                                 *Subject invention disclosure.*                                 The Contractor shall disclose each subject invention to Patent Counsel with a copy to the Contracting Officer within two (2) months after the subject invention is reported to Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters, in accordance with subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause, or, if earlier, within six (6) months after the Contractor has knowledge of the subject invention, but in any event before any on sale, public use, or publication of the subject invention. The disclosure to DOE shall be in the form of a written report and shall include:                             

(i) The contract number under which the subject invention was made; 

(ii) The inventor(s) of the subject invention; 

(iii) A description of the subject invention in sufficient technical detail to convey a clear understanding of the nature, purpose and operation of the subject invention, and of the physical, chemical, biological or electrical characteristics of the subject invention, to the extent known by the Contractor at the time of the disclosure; 

(iv) The date and identification of any publication, on sale or public use of the invention; 

(v) The date and identification of any submissions for publication of any manuscripts describing the invention, and a statement of whether the manuscript is accepted for publication, to the extent known by the Contractor at the time of the disclosure; 

(vi) A statement indicating whether the subject invention concerns exceptional circumstances pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 202(ii), related to national security, or subject to a treaty or an international agreement, to the extent known or believed by Contractor at the time of the disclosure; 

(vii) All sources of funding by Budget and Resources (B&R) code; and

(viii) The identification of any agreement relating to the subject invention, including Cooperative Research and Development Agreements and Work-for-Others agreements. 

Unless the Contractor contends otherwise in writing at the time the invention is disclosed, inventions disclosed to DOE under this paragraph are deemed made in the manner specified in Sections (a)(1) and (a)(2) of 42 U.S.C. 5908. 

                                (3)                                 *Publication after disclosure.*                                 After disclosure of the subject invention to the DOE, the Contractor shall promptly notify Patent Counsel of the acceptance for publication of any manuscript describing the subject invention or of any expected or on sale or public use of the subject invention, known by the Contractor.                             

                                (4)                                 *Contractor employee agreements.*                                 The Contractor agrees to require, by written agreement, its employees, other than clerical and nontechnical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to Contractor personnel identified as responsible for the administration of patent matters and in a format suggested by the Contractor, each subject invention made under this contract, and to execute all papers necessary to file patent applications claiming subject inventions or to establish the Government's rights in the subject inventions. This disclosure format shall at a minimum include the information required by subparagraph (c)(2) of this clause. The Contractor shall instruct such employees, through employee agreements or other suitable educational programs, on the importance of reporting inventions in sufficient time to permit the                                       ( print page 68943)                                    filing of patent applications prior to U.S. or foreign statutory bars.                             

                                (5)                                 *Contractor procedures for reporting subject inventions to DOE.*                                 The Contractor agrees to establish and maintain effective procedures for ensuring the prompt identification and timely disclosure of subject inventions to DOE. The Contractor shall submit a written description of such procedures to the Contracting Officer, upon request, for evaluation of the effectiveness of such procedures by the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (6)                                 *Duplication and disclosure of documents.*                                 The Government may duplicate and disclose subject invention disclosures and all other reports and papers furnished or required to be furnished pursuant to this clause; provided, however, that any such duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to 35 U.S.C. 205 and 37 CFR 401.13.                             

(d) Minimum rights of the Contractor. (1) Contractor License. 

                                (i)                                 *Request for a Contractor license.*                                 Except for subject inventions that the Contractor fails to disclose within the time periods specified at subparagraph (c)(2) of this clause, the Contractor may request a revocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license in each patent application filed in any country claiming a subject invention and any resulting patent in which the Government obtains title, and DOE may grant or refuse to grant such a request by the Contractor. If DOE grants the Contractor's request for a license, the Contractor's license extends to its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates, if any, within the corporate structure of which the Contractor is a party and includes the right to grant sublicenses of the same scope to the extent the Contractor was legally obligated to do so at the time the contract was awarded.                             

                                (ii)                                 *Transfer of a Contractor license.*                                 DOE shall approve any transfer of the Contractor's license in a subject invention, and DOE may determine the Contractor's license is non-transferrable, on a case-by-case basis.                             

                                (iii)                                 *Revocation or modification of a Contractor license.*                                 DOE may revoke or modify the Contractor's domestic license to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention pursuant to an application for an exclusive license submitted in accordance with applicable provisions in 37 CFR part 404 and DOE licensing regulations. DOE may not revoke the Contractor's domestic license in that field of use or the geographical areas in which the Contractor, its licensee, or its domestic subsidiaries or affiliates achieved practical applications and continues to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public. DOE may revoke or modify the Contractor's license in any foreign country to the extent the Contractor, its licensees, or its domestic subsidiaries or affiliates failed to achieve practical application in that foreign country.                             

                                (iv)                                 *Notice of revocation or modification of a Contractor license.*                                 Before revocation or modification of the license, DOE shall furnish the Contractor a written notice of its intention to revoke or modify the license, and the Contractor shall be allowed thirty (30) days from the date of the notice (or such other time as may be authorized by DOE for good cause shown by the Contractor) to show cause why the license should not be revoked or modified. The Contractor has the right to appeal any decision concerning the revocation or modification of its license, in accordance with applicable regulations in 37 CFR part 404 and DOE licensing regulations.                             

                                (2)                                 *Contractor's right to request foreign patent rights.*                                 If the Government has title to a subject invention and the Government decides against securing patent rights in a foreign country for the subject invention, the Contractor may request such foreign patent rights from DOE, and DOE may grant the Contractor's request, subject to a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to the Government to practice or have practiced the subject invention in the foreign country, and any reservations and conditions deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Energy or designee. Such a request shall be submitted in writing to the Patent Counsel as part of the disclosure required by subparagraph (c)(2) of this clause, with a copy to the DOE Contracting Officer, unless a longer period is authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer for good cause shown in writing by the Contractor. DOE may grant or refuse to grant such a request, and may consider whether granting the Contractor's request best serves the interests of the United States.                             

                                (e)                                 *Examination of records relating to inventions.*                                 (1)                                 *Contractor compliance.*                                 Until the expiration of three (3) years after final payment under this contract, the Contracting Officer or any authorized representative may examine any books (including laboratory notebooks), records, and documents and other supporting data of the Contractor, which the Contracting Officer or authorized representative deems reasonably pertinent to the discovery or identification of subject inventions, or to determine Contractor (and inventor) compliance with the requirements of this clause, including proper identification and disclosure of subject inventions, and establishment and maintenance of invention disclosure procedures.                             

                                (2)                                 *Unreported inventions*. If the Contracting Officer is aware of an invention that is not disclosed by the Contractor to DOE, and the Contracting Officer believes the unreported invention may be a subject invention, DOE may require the Contractor to submit to DOE a disclosure of the invention for a determination of ownership rights.                             

                                (3)                                 *Confidentiality.*                                 Any examination of records under this paragraph is subject to appropriate conditions to protect the confidentiality of the information involved.                             

                                (f)                                 *Subcontracts.*                                 (1)                                 *Subcontractor subject inventions.*                                 The Contractor shall not obtain rights in the subcontractor's subject inventions as part of the consideration for awarding a subcontract.                             

                                (2)                                 *Inclusion of patent rights clause—non-profit organization or small business firm subcontractors.*                                 Unless otherwise authorized or directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall include the patent rights clause at 48 CFR 952.227-11, suitably modified to identify the parties in all subcontracts, at any tier, for experimental, developmental, demonstration or research work to be performed by a small business firm or domestic nonprofit organization, except subcontracts which are subject to exceptional circumstances in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 202(a)(ii).                             

                                (3)                                 *Inclusion of patent rights clause—subcontractors other than non-profit organizations and small business firms.*                                 Except for the subcontracts described in subparagraph (f)(2) of this clause, the Contractor shall include the patent rights clause at 48 CFR 952.227-13, suitably modified to identify the parties, in any contract for experimental, developmental, demonstration or research work.                             

                                (4)                                 *DOE and subcontractor contract.*                                 With respect to subcontracts at any tier, DOE, the subcontractor, and the Contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subcontractor and DOE with respect to those matters covered by this clause.                             

                                (5)                                 *Subcontractor refusal to accept terms of patent rights clause.*                                 If a prospective subcontractor refuses to accept the terms of a patent rights clause, the Contractor shall promptly submit a written notice to the Contracting Officer stating the subcontractor's reasons for such a refusal, including any relevant information for expediting disposition of the matter, and the Contractor shall not proceed with the subcontract without the written authorization of the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (6)                                 *Notification of award of subcontract.*                                 Upon the award of any subcontract at any tier containing a patent rights clause, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer in writing and identify the subcontractor, the applicable patent rights clause, the work to be performed under the subcontract, and the dates of award and estimated completion. Upon request of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall furnish a copy of a subcontract.                             

                                (7)                                 *Identification of subcontractor subject inventions.*                                 If the Contractor in the performance of this contract becomes aware of a subject invention made under a subcontract, the Contractor shall promptly notify Patent Counsel and identify the subject invention, with a copy of the notification and identification to the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (g)                                 *Atomic Energy.*                                (1)                                 *Pecuniary awards.*                                 No claim for pecuniary award of compensation under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, may be asserted with respect to any invention or discovery made or conceived in the course of or under this contract.                             

                                (2)                                 *Patent agreements.*                                 Except as otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall obtain patent agreements to effectuate the provisions of subparagraph (g)(1) of this clause from all persons who perform any part of the work under this contract, except nontechnical personnel, such as clerical employees and manual laborers.                             

                                (h)                                 *Publication.*                                 The Contractor shall receive approval from Patent Counsel prior to releasing or publishing information regarding scientific or technical developments conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract, to ensure such release or publication does not adversely affect the patent interests of DOE or the Contractor.                                       ( print page 68944)    

                                (i)                                 *Communications.*                                 The Contractor shall direct any notification, disclosure, or request provided for in this clause to the Patent Counsel assisting the DOE contracting activity, with a copy of the communication to the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (j)                                 *Reports.*                                (1)                                 *Interim reports.*                                 Upon DOE's request, the Contractor shall submit to DOE, no more frequently than annually, a list of subject inventions disclosed to DOE during a specified period, or a statement that no subject inventions were made during the specified period; and/or a list of subcontracts containing a patent clause and awarded by the Contractor during a specified period, or a statement that no such subcontracts were awarded during the specified period. The interim report shall state whether the Contractor's invention disclosures were submitted to DOE in accordance with the requirements of subparagraphs (c)(1) and (c)(5) of this clause.                             

                                (2)                                 *Final reports.*                                 Upon DOE's request, the Contractor shall submit to DOE, prior to closeout of the contract or within three (3) months of the date of completion of the contracted work, a list of all subject inventions disclosed during the performance period of the contract, or a statement that no subject inventions were made during the contract performance period; and/or a list of all subcontracts containing a patent clause and awarded by the Contractor during the contract performance period, or a statement that no such subcontracts were awarded during the contract performance period.                             

                                (k)                                 *Facilities license.*                                 In addition to the rights of the parties with respect to inventions or discoveries conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract, the Contractor agrees to and does hereby grant to the Government an irrevocable, nonexclusive, paid-up license in and to any inventions or discoveries regardless of when conceived or actually reduced to practice or acquired by the contractor at any time through completion of this contract and which are incorporated or embodied in the construction of the facility or which are utilized in the operation of the facility or which cover articles, materials, or products manufactured at the facility (1) to practice or have practiced by or for the Government at the facility, and (2) to transfer such license with the transfer of that facility. Notwithstanding the acceptance or exercise by the Government of these rights, the Government may contest at any time the enforceability, validity or scope of, or title to, any rights or patents herein licensed.                             

                                (l)                                 *Classified inventions.*                                 (1)                                 *Approval for filing a foreign patent application.*                                 The Contractor shall not file or cause to be filed an application or registration for a patent disclosing a subject invention related to classified subject matter in any country other than the United States without first obtaining the written approval of the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (2)                                 *Transmission of classified subject matter.*                                 If in accordance with this clause the Contractor files a patent application in the United States disclosing a subject invention that is classified for reasons of security, the Contractor shall observe all applicable security regulations covering the transmission of classified subject matter. If the Contractor transmits a patent application disclosing a classified subject invention to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Contractor shall submit a separate letter to the USPTO identifying the contract or contracts by agency and agreement number that require security classification markings to be placed on the patent application.                             

                                (3)                                 *Inclusion of clause in subcontracts.*                                 The Contractor agrees to include the substance of this clause in subcontracts at any tier that cover or are likely to cover subject matter classified for reasons of security.                             

                                (m)                                 *Patent functions.*                                 Upon the written request of the Contracting Officer or Patent Counsel, the Contractor agrees to make reasonable efforts to support DOE in accomplishing patent-related functions for work arising out of the contract, including, but not limited to, the prosecution of patent applications, and the determination of questions of novelty, patentability, and inventorship.                             

                                (n)                                 *Annual appraisal by Patent Counsel.*                                 Patent Counsel may conduct an annual appraisal to evaluate the Contractor's effectiveness in identifying and protecting subject inventions in accordance with DOE policy.                             

970.5204-103

Insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts in accordance with 970.2703(c): 

## Patent Rights-Management and Operating Contracts, For-Profit Contractor, Advance Class Waiver (Nov. 2000) 

                                (a)                                 *Definitions.*                                 (1)                                 *DOE licensing regulations*                                 means the Department of Energy patent licensing regulations at 10 CFR part 781.                             

                                (2)                                 *DOE patent waiver regulations*                                 means the Department of Energy patent waiver regulations at 10 CFR part 784.                             

                                (3)                                 *Exceptional Circumstance Subject Invention*                                 means any subject invention in a technical field or related to a task determined by the Department of Energy to be subject to an exceptional circumstance under 35 U.S.C. 202(a)(ii), and in accordance with 37 CFR 401.3(e).                             

                                (4)                                 *Invention*                                 means any invention or discovery which is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under title 35 of the United States Code, or any novel variety of plant which is or may be protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321,                                 *et seq.*).                             

                                (5)                                 *Made*                                 when used in relation to any invention means the conception or first actual reduction to practice of such invention.                             

                                (6)                                 *Patent Counsel*                                 means DOE Patent Counsel assisting the contracting activity.                             

                                (7)                                 *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.                             

                                (8)                                 *Subject Invention*                                 means any invention of the contractor conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract, provided that in the case of a variety of plant, the date of determination (as defined in section 41(d) of the Plant Variety Protection Act, 7 U.S.C. 2401(d)) shall also occur during the period of contract performance.                             

                                (b)                                 *Allocation of Principal Rights.*                                 (1)                                 *Assignment to the Government.*                                 Except to the extent that rights are retained by the Contractor by the granting of an advance class waiver pursuant to subparagraph (b)(2) of this clause or a determination of greater rights pursuant to subparagraph (b)(7) of this clause, the Contractor agrees to assign to the Government the entire right, title, and interest throughout the world in and to each subject invention.                             

                                (2)                                 *Advance class waiver of Government rights to the Contractor.*                                 DOE may grant to the Contractor an advance class waiver of Government rights in any or all subject inventions, at the time of execution of the contract, such that the Contractor may elect to retain the entire right, title and interest throughout the world to such waived subject inventions, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the advance class waiver. Unless otherwise provided by the terms of the advance class waiver, any rights in a subject invention retained by the Contractor under an advance class waiver are subject to 35 U.S.C. 203 and the provisions of this clause, including the Government license provided for in subparagraph (b)(3) of this clause, and any reservations and conditions deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Energy or designee.                             

                                (3)                                 *Government license.*                                 With respect to any subject invention to which the Contractor retains title, either under an advance class waiver pursuant to subparagraph (b)(2) or a determination of greater rights pursuant to subparagraph (b)(7) of this clause, the Government has a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced for or on behalf of the United States the subject invention throughout the world.                             

                                (4)                                 *Foreign patent rights.*                                 If the Government has title to a subject invention and the Government decides against securing patent rights in a foreign country for the subject invention, the Contractor may request such foreign patent rights from DOE, and DOE may grant the Contractor's request, subject to 35 U.S.C. 203 and the provisions of this clause, including the Government license provided for in subparagraph (b)(3) of this clause, and any reservations and conditions deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Energy or designee.                             

                                (5)                                 *Exceptional circumstance subject inventions.*                                 Except to the extent that rights are retained by the Contractor by a determination of greater rights in accordance with subparagraph (b)(7) of this clause, the Contractor does not have the right to retain title to any exceptional circumstance subject inventions and agrees to assign to the Government the entire right, title, and                                       ( print page 68945)                                    interest, throughout the world, in and to any exceptional circumstance subject inventions.                             

(i) Inventions within or relating to the following fields of technology are exceptional circumstance subject inventions: 

(A) Uranium enrichment technology; 

(B) Storage and disposal of civilian high-level nuclear waste and spent fuel technology; and 

(C) National security technologies classified or sensitive under Section 148 of the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 2168). 

(ii) Inventions made under any agreement, contract or subcontract related to the following initiatives or programs are exceptional circumstance subject inventions: 

(A) DOE Steel Initiative and Metals Initiative; 

(B) U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium; and 

(C) Any funding agreement which is funded in part by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) or the Gas Research Institute (GRI). 

(iii) DOE reserves the right to unilaterally amend this contract to modify, by deletion or insertion, technical fields, programs, initiatives, and/or other classifications for the purpose of defining DOE exceptional circumstance subject inventions. 

                                (6)                                 *Treaties and international agreements.*                                 Any rights acquired by the Contractor in subject inventions are subject to any disposition of right, title, or interest in or to subject inventions provided for in treaties or international agreements identified at Appendix [                                *Insert Reference*], to this contract. DOE reserves the right to unilaterally amend this contract to identify specific treaties or international agreements entered into or to be entered into by the Government after the effective date of this contract and to effectuate those license or other rights which are necessary for the Government to meet its obligations to foreign governments, their nationals and international organizations under such treaties or international agreements with respect to subject inventions made after the date of the amendment.                             

                                (7)                                 *Contractor request for greater rights.*                                 The Contractor may request greater rights in an identified subject invention, including an exceptional circumstance subject invention, to which the Contractor does not have the right to elect to retain title, in accordance with the DOE patent waiver regulations, by submitting a such a request in writing to Patent Counsel with a copy to the Contracting Officer at the time the subject invention is first disclosed to DOE pursuant to subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause, or not later than eight (8) months after such disclosure, unless a longer period is authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer for good cause shown in writing by the Contractor. DOE may grant or refuse to grant such a request by the Contractor. Unless otherwise provided in the greater rights determination, any rights in a subject invention obtained by the Contractor under a determination of greater rights is subject to 35 U.S.C. 203 and the provisions of this clause, including the Government license provided for in subparagraph (b)(3) of this clause, and to any reservations and conditions deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Energy or designee.                             

                                (8)                                 *Contractor employee-inventor rights.*                                 If the Contractor does not elect to retain title to a subject invention or does not request greater rights in a subject invention, including an exceptional circumstance subject invention, to which the Contractor does not have the right to elect to retain title, a Contractor employee-inventor, after consultation with the Contractor and with written authorization from the Contractor in accordance with 10 CFR 784.9(b)(4), may request greater rights, including title, in the subject invention or the exceptional circumstance invention from DOE, and DOE may grant or refuse to grant such a request by the Contractor employee-inventor.                             

                                (9)                                 *Government assignment of rights in Government employees' subject inventions.*                                 If a DOE employee is a joint inventor of a subject invention to which the Contractor has rights, DOE may assign or refuse to assign any rights in the subject invention acquired by the Government from the DOE employee to the Contractor, consistent with 48 CFR 27.304-1(d). Unless otherwise provided in the assignment, the rights assigned to the Contractor are subject to the Government license provided for in subparagraph (b)(3) of this clause, and to any provision of this clause applicable to subject inventions in which rights are retained by the Contractor, and to any reservations and conditions deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Energy or designee. The Contractor shall share royalties collected for the manufacture, use or sale of the subject invention with the DOE employee, as DOE deems appropriate.                             

                                (c)                                 *Subject invention disclosure, election of title, and filing of patent application by contractor.*                                 (1)                                 *Subject invention disclosure.*                                 The Contractor shall disclose each subject invention to Patent Counsel with a copy to the Contracting Officer within two (2) months after an inventor discloses it in writing to Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters or, if earlier, within six (6) months after the Contractor has knowledge of the subject invention, but in any event before any on sale, public use, or publication of the subject invention. The disclosure to DOE shall be in the form of a written report and shall include:                             

(i) The contract number under which the subject invention was made; 

(ii) The inventor(s) of the subject invention; 

(iii) A description of the subject invention in sufficient technical detail to convey a clear understanding of the nature, purpose and operation of the subject invention, and of the physical, chemical, biological or electrical characteristics of the subject invention, to the extent known by the Contractor at the time of the disclosure; 

(iv) The date and identification of any publication, on sale or public use of the invention; 

(v) The date and identification of any submissions for publication of any manuscripts describing the invention, and a statement of whether the manuscript is accepted for publication, to the extent known by the Contractor at the time of the disclosure; 

(vi) A statement indicating whether the subject invention is an exceptional circumstance subject invention, related to national security, or subject to a treaty or an international agreement, to the extent known or believed by Contractor at the time of the disclosure; 

(vii) All sources of funding by Budget and Resources (B&R) code; and 

(viii) The identification of any agreement relating to the subject invention, including Cooperative Research and Development Agreements and Work-for-Others agreements. 

Unless the Contractor contends otherwise in writing at the time the invention is disclosed, inventions disclosed to DOE under this paragraph are deemed made in the manner specified in sections (a)(1) and (a)(2) of 42 U.S.C. 5908. 

                                (2)                                 *Publication after disclosure.*                                 After disclosure of the subject invention to the DOE, the Contractor shall promptly notify Patent Counsel of the acceptance for publication of any manuscript describing the subject invention or of any expected or on sale or public use of the subject invention, known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall obtain approval from Patent Counsel prior to any release or publication of information concerning an exceptional circumstance subject invention or any subject invention related to a treaty or international agreement.                             

                                (3)                                 *Election by the Contractor under an advance class waiver.*                                 If the Contractor has the right to elect to retain title to subject inventions under an advance class waiver granted in accordance with subparagraph (b)(2) of this clause, and unless otherwise provided for by the terms of the advance class waiver, the Contractor shall elect in writing whether or not to retain title to any subject invention by notifying DOE within two (2) years of the date of the disclosure of the subject invention to DOE, in accordance with subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause. The notification shall identify the advance class waiver, state the countries, including the United States, in which rights are retained, and certify that the subject invention is not an exceptional circumstance subject invention or subject to a treaty or international agreement. If a publication, on sale or public use of the subject invention has initiated the 1-year statutory period under 35 U.S.C. 102(b), the period for election may be shortened by DOE to a date that is no more than sixty (60) days prior to the end of the 1-year statutory period.                             

                                (4)                                 *Filing of patent applications by the Contractor under an advance class waiver.*                                 If the Contractor has the right to retain title to a subject invention in accordance with an advance class waiver pursuant to subparagraph (b)(2) of this clause or a determination of greater rights pursuant to paragraph (b)(7) of this clause, and unless otherwise provided for by the terms of the advance class waiver or greater rights determination, the Contractor shall file an initial patent application claiming the subject invention to which it retains title either within one (1) year after the Contractor's election to retain or grant of title to the subject invention or prior to the end of any 1-year statutory period under 35 U.S.C. 102(b), whichever occurs first. Any patent applications filed by the Contractor in foreign                                       ( print page 68946)                                    countries or international patent offices shall be filed within either ten (10) months of the corresponding initial patent application or, if such filing has been prohibited by a Secrecy Order, within six (6) months from the date permission is granted by the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to file foreign patent applications.                             

                                (5)                                 *Submission of patent information and documents.*                                 If the Contractor files a domestic or foreign patent application claiming a subject invention, the Contractor shall promptly submit to Patent Counsel the following information and documents:                             

(i) The filing date, serial number, title, and a copy of the patent application (including an English-language version if filed in a language other than English); 

(ii) An executed and approved instrument fully confirmatory of all Government rights in the subject invention; and 

(iii) The patent number, issue date, and a copy of any issued patent claiming the subject invention. 

                                (6)                                 *Contractor's request for an extension of time.*                                 Requests for an extension of the time to disclose a subject invention, to elect to retain title to a subject invention, or to file a patent application under subparagraphs (c)(1), (3), and (4) of this clause may be granted at the discretion of Patent Counsel or DOE.                             

                                (7)                                 *Duplication and disclosure of documents.*                                The Government may duplicate and disclose subject invention disclosures and all other reports and papers furnished or required to be furnished pursuant to this clause; provided, however, that any such duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to 35 U.S.C. 205 and 37 CFR part 40.                             

                                (d)                                 *Conditions when the Government may obtain title notwithstanding an advance class waiver.*                                (1)                                 *Return of title to a subject invention.*                                 If the Contractor requests that DOE acquire title or rights from the Contractor in a subject invention, including an exceptional circumstance subject invention, to which the Contractor retained title or rights under subparagraph (b)(2) or subparagraph (b)(7) of this clause, DOE may acquire such title or rights from the Contractor, or DOE may decide against acquiring such title or rights from the Contractor, at DOE's sole discretion.                             

                                (2)                                 *Failure to disclose or elect to retain title.*                                 Title vests in DOE and DOE may request, in writing, a formal assignment of title to a subject invention from the Contractor, and the Contractor shall convey title to the subject invention to DOE, if the Contractor elects not to retain title to the subject invention under an advance class waiver, or the Contractor fails to disclose or fails to elect to retain title to the subject invention within the times specified in subparagraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) of this clause.                             

                                (3)                                 *Failure to file domestic or foreign patent applications.*                                In those countries in which the Contractor fails to file a patent application within the times specified in subparagraph (c)(4) of this clause, DOE may request, in writing, title to the subject invention from the Contractor, and the Contractor shall convey title to the subject invention to DOE; provided, however, that if the Contractor has filed a patent application in any country after the times specified in subparagraph (c)(4) of this clause, but prior to its receipt of DOE's written request for title, the Contractor continues to retain title in that country.                             

                                (4)                                 *Discontinuation of patent protection by the Contractor.*                                 If the Contractor decides to discontinue the prosecution of a patent application, the payment of maintenance fees, or the defense of a subject invention in a reexamination or opposition proceeding, in any country, DOE may request, in writing, title to the subject invention from the Contractor, and the Contractor shall convey title to the subject invention to DOE.                             

                                (5)                                 *Termination of advance class waiver.*                                 DOE may request, in writing, title to any subject inventions from the Contractor, and the Contractor shall convey title to the subject inventions to DOE, if the advance class waiver granted under subparagraph (b)(2) of this clause is terminated under paragraph (u) of this clause.                             

                                (e)                                 *Minimum rights of the Contractor.*                                 (1)                                 *Request for a Contractor license.*                                 Except for subject inventions that the Contractor fails to disclose within the time periods specified at subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause, the Contractor may request a revocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license in each patent application filed in any country claiming a subject invention and any resulting patent in which the Government obtains title, and DOE may grant or refuse to grant such a request by the Contractor. If DOE grants the Contractor's request for a license, the Contractor's license extends to its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates, if any, within the corporate structure of which the Contractor is a party and includes the right to grant sublicenses of the same scope to the extent the Contractor was legally obligated to do so at the time the contract was awarded.                             

                                (2)                                 *Transfer of a Contractor license.*                                 DOE shall approve any transfer of the Contractor's license in a subject invention, and DOE may determine that the Contractor's license is non-transferrable, on a case-by-case basis.                             

                                (3)                                 *Revocation or modification of a Contractor license.*                                 DOE may revoke or modify the Contractor's domestic license to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention pursuant to an application for an exclusive license submitted in accordance with applicable provisions in 37 CFR part 404 and DOE licensing regulations. DOE may not revoke the Contractor's domestic license in that field of use or the geographical areas in which the Contractor, its licensees or its domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have achieved practical applications and continues to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public. DOE may revoke or modify the Contractor's license in any foreign country to the extent the Contractor, its licensees, or its domestic subsidiaries or affiliates failed to achieve practical application in that foreign country.                             

                                (4)                                 *Notice of revocation or modification of a Contractor license.*                                Before revocation or modification of the license, DOE shall furnish the Contractor a written notice of its intention to revoke or modify the license, and the Contractor shall be allowed thirty (30) days from the date of the notice (or such other time as may be authorized by DOE for good cause shown by the Contractor) to show cause why the license should not be revoked or modified. The Contractor has the right to appeal any decision concerning the revocation or modification of its license, in accordance with applicable regulations in 37 CFR part 404 and DOE licensing regulations.                             

                                (f)                                 *Contractor action to protect the Government's interest.*                                 (1)                                 *Execution and delivery of title or license instruments.*                                 The Contractor agrees to execute or have executed, and to deliver promptly to DOE all instruments necessary to accomplish the following actions:                             

(i) Establish or confirm the Government's rights throughout the world in subject inventions to which the Contractor elects to retain title; 

(ii) Convey title in a subject invention to DOE pursuant to subparagraph (b)(5) and paragraph (d) of this clause; or 

(iii) Enable the Government to obtain patent protection throughout the world in a subject invention to which the Government has title. 

                                (2)                                 *Contractor employee agreements*. The Contractor agrees to require, by written agreement, its employees, other than clerical and nontechnical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to Contractor personnel identified as responsible for the administration of patent matters and in a format suggested by the Contractor, each subject invention made under this contract, and to execute all papers necessary to file patent applications claiming subject inventions or to establish the Government's rights in the subject inventions. This disclosure format shall at a minimum include the information required by subparagraph (c)(1) of this clause. The Contractor shall instruct such employees, through employee agreements or other suitable educational programs, on the importance of reporting inventions in sufficient time to permit the filing of patent applications prior to U.S. or foreign statutory bars.                             

                                (3)                                 *Contractor procedures for reporting subject inventions to DOE*. The Contractor agrees to establish and maintain effective procedures for ensuring the prompt identification and timely disclosure of subject inventions to DOE. The Contractor shall submit a written description of such procedures to the Contracting Officer, upon request, for evaluation and approval of the effectiveness of such procedures by the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (4)                                 *Notification of discontinuation of patent protection*. With respect to any subject invention for which the Contractor has responsibility for patent prosecution, the Contractor shall notify Patent Counsel of any decision to discontinue the prosecution of a patent application, payment of maintenance fees, or defense of a subject invention in a reexamination or opposition proceeding, in any country, not less than thirty (30) days before the expiration of the response period for any action required by the corresponding patent office.                             

                                (5)                                 *Notification of Government rights*. With respect to any subject invention to which the Contractor has title, the Contractor agrees to include, within the specification of any                                       ( print page 68947)                                    United States patent application and within any patent issuing thereon claiming a subject invention, the following statement, “This invention was made with Government support under (identify the contract) awarded by the United States Department of Energy. The Government has certain rights in the invention.”                             

                                (6)                                 *Avoidance of royalty charges*. If the Contractor licenses a subject invention, the Contractor agrees to avoid royalty charges on acquisitions involving Government funds, including funds derived through a Military Assistance Program of the Government or otherwise derived through the Government, to refund any amounts received as royalty charges on a subject invention in acquisitions for, or on behalf of, the Government, and to provide for such refund in any instrument transferring rights in the subject invention to any party.                             

                                (7)                                 *DOE approval of assignment of rights*. Rights in a subject invention in the United States may not be assigned by the Contractor without the approval of DOE.                             

                                (8)                                 *Small business firm licensees*. The Contractor shall make efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to attract licensees of subject inventions that are small business firms, and may give a preference to a small business firm when licensing a subject invention if the Contractor determines that the small business firm has a plan or proposal for marketing the invention which, if executed, is equally as likely to bring the invention to practical application as any plans or proposals from applicants that are not small business firms; provided, the Contractor is also satisfied that the small business firm has the capability and resources to carry out its plan or proposal. The decision as to whether to give a preference in any specific case is at the discretion of the Contractor.                             

                                (9)                                 *Contractor licensing of subject inventions*. To the extent that it provides the most effective technology transfer, licensing of subject inventions shall be administered by Contractor employees on location at the facility.                             

                                (g)                                 *Subcontracts*. (1)                                 *Subcontractor subject inventions*. The Contractor shall not obtain rights in the subcontractor's subject inventions as part of the consideration for awarding a subcontract.                             

                                (2)                                 *Inclusion of patent rights clause—non-profit organization or small business firm subcontractors*. Unless otherwise authorized or directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall include the patent rights clause at 48 CFR 952.227-11, suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts, at any tier, for experimental, developmental, demonstration or research work to be performed by a small business firm or domestic nonprofit organization, except subcontracts which are subject to exceptional circumstances in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 202 and subparagraph (b)(5) of this clause.                             

                                (3)                                 *Inclusion of patent rights clause—subcontractors other than non-profit organizations or small business firms*. Except for the subcontracts described in subparagraph (g)(2) of this clause, the Contractor shall include the patent rights clause at 48 CFR 952.227-13, suitably modified to identify the parties and any applicable exceptional circumstance, in any contract for experimental, developmental, demonstration or research work.                             

                                (4)                                 *DOE and subcontractor contract*. With respect to subcontracts at any tier, DOE, the subcontractor and Contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subcontractor and DOE with respect to those matters covered by this clause; provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph is intended to confer any jurisdiction under the Contract Disputes Act in connection with proceedings under paragraph (j) of this clause.                             

                                (5)                                 *Subcontractor refusal to accept terms of patent rights clause*. If a prospective subcontractor refuses to accept the terms of a patent rights clause, the Contractor shall promptly submit a written notice to the Contracting Officer stating the subcontractor's reasons for such refusal and including relevant information for expediting disposition of the matter; and the Contractor shall not proceed with the subcontract without the written authorization of the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (6)                                 *Notification of award of subcontract*. Upon the award of any subcontract at any tier containing a patent rights clause, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer in writing and identify the subcontractor, the applicable patent rights clause, the work to be performed under the subcontract, and the dates of award and estimated completion. Upon request of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall furnish a copy of a subcontract.                             

                                (7)                                 *Identification of subcontractor subject inventions*. If the Contractor in the performance of this contract becomes aware of a subject invention made under a subcontract, the Contractor shall promptly notify Patent Counsel and identify the subject invention, with a copy of the notification and identification to the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (h)                                 *Reporting on utilization of subject inventions*. Upon request by DOE, the Contractor agrees to submit periodic reports, no more frequently than annually, describing the utilization of a subject invention or efforts made by the Contractor or its licensees or assignees to obtain utilization of the subject invention. The reports shall include information regarding the status of development, date of first commercial sale or use, gross royalties received by the Contractor, and other data and information reasonably specified by DOE. Upon request by DOE, the Contractor also agrees to provide reports in connection with any march-in proceedings undertaken by DOE, in accordance with paragraph (j) of this clause. If any data or information reported by the Contractor in accordance with this provision is considered privileged and confidential by the Contractor, its licensee, or assignee and the Contractor properly marks the data or information privileged or confidential, DOE agrees not to disclose such information to persons outside the Government, to the extent permitted by law.                             

                                (i)                                 *Preference for United States industry*. Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause the Contractor agrees that with respect to any subject invention in which it retains title, neither it nor any assignee may grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States unless such 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, DOE may waive the requirement for such an agreement upon a showing by the Contractor or its 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.                             

                                (j)                                 *March-in rights*. With respect to any subject invention to which the Contractor has elected to retain or is granted title, DOE may, in accordance with the procedures in the DOE patent waiver regulations, 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 a responsible applicant or applicants, upon terms that are reasonable under the circumstances. If the Contractor, assignee or exclusive licensee refuses such a request, DOE has the right to grant such a license itself if DOE determines that—                            

(1) Such action is necessary 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 such field of use; 

(2) Such action is necessary to alleviate health or safety needs that are not reasonably satisfied by the Contractor, assignee, or their licensees; 

(3) Such action is necessary to meet requirements for public use specified by government regulations and such requirements are not reasonably satisfied by the Contractor, assignee, or licensees; or

(4) Such action is necessary because the agreement to substantially manufacture in the United States and required by paragraph (i) of this clause 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 such agreement. 

                                (k)                                 *Communications*. The Contractor shall direct any notification, disclosure, or request provided for in this clause to the Patent Counsel identified in the contract .                             

                                (l)                                 *Reports*. (1)                                 *Interim reports*. Upon DOE's request, the Contractor shall submit to DOE, no more frequently than annually, a list of subject inventions disclosed to DOE during a specified period, or a statement that no subject inventions were made during the specified period; and/or a list of subcontracts containing a patent clause and awarded by the Contractor during a specified period, or a statement that no such subcontracts were awarded during the specified period. The interim report shall state whether the Contractor's invention disclosures were submitted to DOE in accordance with the requirements of subparagraphs (f)(3) and (f)(4) of this clause.                                       ( print page 68948)    

                                (2)                                 *Final reports*. Upon DOE's request, the Contractor shall submit to DOE, prior to closeout of the contract or within three (3) months of the date of completion of the contracted work, a list of all subject inventions disclosed during the performance period of the contract, or a statement that no subject inventions were made during the contract performance period; and/or a list of all subcontracts containing a patent clause and awarded by the Contractor during the contract performance period, or a statement that no such subcontracts were awarded during the contract performance period.                             

                                (m)                                 *Facilities license*. In addition to the rights of the parties with respect to inventions or discoveries conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract, the Contractor agrees to and does hereby grant to the Government an irrevocable, nonexclusive, paid-up license in and to any inventions or discoveries regardless of when conceived or actually reduced to practice or acquired by the contractor at any time through completion of this contract and which are incorporated or embodied in the construction of the facility or which are utilized in the operation of the facility or which cover articles, materials, or products manufactured at the facility (1) to practice or have practiced by or for the Government at the facility, and (2) to transfer such license with the transfer of that facility. Notwithstanding the acceptance or exercise by the Government of these rights, the Government may contest at any time the enforceability, validity or scope of, or title to, any rights or patents herein licensed.                             

                                (n)                                 *Atomic energy.*                                 (1)                                 *Pecuniary awards*. No claim for pecuniary award of compensation under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, may be asserted with respect to any invention or discovery made or conceived in the course of or under this contract.                             

                                (2)                                 *Patent agreements*. Except as otherwise authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall obtain patent agreements to effectuate the provisions of subparagraph (o)(1) of this clause from all persons who perform any part of the work under this contract, except nontechnical personnel, such as clerical employees and manual laborers.                             

                                (o)                                 *Classified inventions*. (1)                                 *Approval for filing a foreign patent application*. The Contractor shall not file or cause to be filed an application or registration for a patent disclosing a subject invention related to classified subject matter in any country other than the United States without first obtaining the written approval of the Contracting Officer.                             

                                (2)                                 *Transmission of classified subject matter*. If in accordance with this clause the Contractor files a patent application in the United States disclosing a subject invention that is classified for reasons of security, the Contractor shall observe all applicable security regulations covering the transmission of classified subject matter. If the Contractor transmits a patent application disclosing a classified subject invention to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the Contractor shall submit a separate letter to the USPTO identifying the contract or contracts by agency and agreement number that require security classification markings to be placed on the patent application.                             

                                (3)                                 *Inclusion of clause in subcontracts*. The Contractor agrees to include the substance of this clause in subcontracts at any tier that cover or are likely to cover subject matter classified for reasons of security.                             

                                (p)                                 *Examination of records relating to inventions*. (1)                                 *Contractor compliance*. Until the expiration of three (3) years after final payment under this contract, the Contracting Officer or any authorized representative may examine any books (including laboratory notebooks), records, and documents and other supporting data of the Contractor, which the Contracting Officer or authorized representative deems reasonably pertinent to the discovery or identification of subject inventions, including exceptional circumstance subject inventions, or to determine Contractor (and inventor) compliance with the requirements of this clause, including proper identification and disclosure of subject inventions, and establishment and maintenance of invention disclosure procedures.                             

                                (2)                                 *Unreported inventions.*                                 If the Contracting Officer is aware of an invention that is not disclosed by the Contractor to DOE, and the Contracting Officer believes the unreported invention may be a subject invention, DOE may require the Contractor to submit to DOE a disclosure of the invention for a determination of ownership rights.                             

                                (3)                                 *Confidentiality.*                                 Any examination of records under this paragraph is subject to appropriate conditions to protect the confidentiality of the information involved.                             

                                (4)                                 *Power of inspection.*                                 With respect to a subject invention for which the Contractor has responsibility for patent prosecution, the Contractor shall furnish the Government, upon request by DOE, an irrevocable power to inspect and make copies of a prosecution file for any patent application claiming the subject invention.                             

                                (q)                                 *Patent functions.*                                 Upon the written request of the Contracting Officer or Patent Counsel, the Contractor agrees to make reasonable efforts to support DOE in accomplishing patent-related functions for work arising out of the contract, including, but not limited to, the prosecution of patent applications, and the determination of questions of novelty, patentability, and inventorship.                             

                                (r)                                 *Educational awards subject to 35 U.S.C. 212.*                                 The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer prior to the placement of any person subject to 35 U.S.C. 212 in an area of technology or task (1) related to exceptional circumstance technology or (2) any person who is subject to treaties or international agreements as set forth in paragraph (b)(6) of this clause or to agreements other than funding agreements. The Contracting Officer may disapprove of any such placement.                             

                                (s)                                 *Annual appraisal by Patent Counsel.*                                 Patent Counsel may conduct an annual appraisal to evaluate the Contractor's effectiveness in identifying and protecting subject inventions in accordance with DOE policy.                             

                                (t)                                 *Publication.*                                 The Contractor shall receive approval from Patent Counsel prior to releasing or publishing information regarding scientific or technical developments conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under this contract, to ensure such release or publication does not adversely affect the patent rights of DOE or the Contractor.                             

                                (u)                                 *Termination of Contractor's advance class waiver.*                                 If a request by the Contractor for an advance class waiver pursuant to subparagraph (b)(2) of this clause or a determination of greater rights pursuant to paragraph (c) of this clause contains false material statements or fails to disclose material facts, and DOE relies on the false statements or omissions in granting the Contractor's request, the waiver or grant of any Government rights (in whole or in part) to the subject invention(s) may be terminated at the discretion of the Secretary of Energy or designee. Prior to termination, DOE shall provide the Contractor with written notification of the termination, including a statement of facts in support of the termination, and the Contractor shall be allowed thirty (30) days, or a longer period authorized by the Secretary of Energy or designee for good cause shown in writing by the Contractor, to show cause for not terminating the waiver or grant. Any termination of an advance class waiver or a determination of greater rights is subject to the Contractor's license as provided for in paragraph (f) of this clause.                            

(End of Clause) 

## Alternate 1—Weapons Related Subject Inventions

As prescribed at 970.2704-(k), insert the following as subparagraphs (a)(10) and (b)(8), respectively: 

                        (a)                         *Definitions.*

(10) Weapons Related Subject Invention means any subject invention conceived or first actually reduced to practice in the course of or under work funded by or through defense programs , including Department of Defense and intelligence reimbursable work, or the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program of the Department of Energy. 

                        (b)                         *Allocation of Principal Rights.*

                        (10)                         *Weapons related subject inventions.*                         Except to the extent that DOE is solely satisfied that the Contractor meets certain procedural requirements and DOE grants rights to the Contractor in weapons related subject inventions, the Contractor does not have a right to retain title to any weapons related subject inventions.                    

(End of Alternate)

[FR Doc. 00-28629 Filed 11-14-00; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6450-01-P