Research and Development Deliverables under Government Contracts, Grants, Cooperative Agreements and CRADAs: University Roles, Government Responsibilities, and Contractor Rights

Developing technology pursuant to government contracts is fertile ground for future innovation and licensing opportunities. While involvement in Federal procurement may seem complex, these avenues for technology development and dual-use licensing prove extremely profitable for businesses willing to engage the Government as a development partner. Congress departed from its tradition of retaining title to contractor inventions with the passage of the Bayh-Dole Act, 35 U.S.C. section 200 et seq. Pursuant to Bayh-Dole, Congress granted small business firms, universities, and other non-profit scientific and educational organizations the right to retain title to inventions made under federally funded research and development contracts and grants.