NASA Offers Exclusive License for 3D Welding Breakthrough
Published Date: 1/14/2026
Notice
Summary
NASA plans to give LeapFast Manufacturing in Ohio a special license to use two cool new inventions about 3D printing and welding tech. If anyone thinks this isn’t fair or has a better idea, they need to speak up by January 29, 2026. This could open doors for LeapFast to boost manufacturing with NASA’s cutting-edge tech, but the final yes or no is still up in the air.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
NASA Intends Exclusive License to LeapFast
NASA plans to grant an exclusive, co-exclusive, or partially exclusive U.S. patent license to LeapFast Manufacturing Inc. of Youngstown, Ohio to practice U.S. Patent No. 12,343,930 B2 ("Solid-State Additive Manufacturing System and Method") and U.S. Patent No. 12,157,179 B2 ("Bobbin Friction Stir Weld Additive Manufacturing System and Method"). NASA says fields of use may be limited and has not made a final decision to grant the license.
Opportunity to Object or Compete by Jan 29, 2026
Anyone may submit written objections with evidence and argument, or submit a completed competing application, to NASA by January 29, 2026 to oppose the contemplated license. Objections received by NASA will not be made available for public inspection and, to the extent permitted by law, will not be released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in