NIST Wants Your Input on Invention Paperwork: Innovate Responsibly
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Notice
Summary
NIST is asking for public feedback on their invention disclosure form, which helps protect inventions made using their labs. This affects federal employees and associates who create inventions with NIST resources. Comments are open until January 20, 2026, and the goal is to keep the process smooth without adding extra hassle or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Inventors Using NIST Labs Must File
If you are a Federal employee or a non‑Federal individual who created an invention using NIST laboratory facilities (a NIST Associate), NIST uses the DN-45 Invention Disclosure Form to collect details. The form is used to determine if an invention exists, check statutory bars, and may allow the Government to begin a patent application under 35 U.S.C. 207.
Time and Cost Burden on Respondents
NIST estimates 10 Invention Disclosure Form respondents per year at 3 hours each (total 30 hours) and 100 Inventor Information Form respondents per year at 30 minutes each (total 50 hours). NIST estimates the total annual cost to the public for these collections is $500; responding is listed as voluntary.
Information Sharing and Patent Use
NIST collects inventor and invention information that may be used to file a patent application (pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 207). Collected information is shared with NIST's Office of Chief Counsel and may be shared with non‑Government entities that may have ownership rights; citizenship information is collected to determine whether international agreements or treaties may affect U.S. Government rights.
Form Revisions, Portal, and New Question
Proposed revisions to the DN-45 and Inventor Information Sheet update contact information, clarify instructions, mention a submission portal (online submission option), delete one unused question, and add a question about potential licensees or collaborators. The public may comment on these revisions through January 20, 2026.
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