NIST Refines Forms for Government Invention Claims
Published Date: 1/23/2026
Notice
Summary
NIST is updating its forms that inventors fill out when they create something new using NIST labs. This helps protect the U.S. government’s rights to these inventions and may start the patent process. If you’re an inventor or work with NIST, you might spend a little time filling out these forms, but it keeps everything official and fair!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Forms may trigger patent actions
The information collected on the NIST DN-45 can be used to determine if an invention exists and whether to begin a patent application. NIST says this collection is required to protect United States rights and may allow the Government to begin a patent application process under 35 U.S.C. 207.
Time burden for inventors
If you are an inventor who files with NIST, you may spend time filling two forms. NIST expects 10 Invention Disclosure Form responses per year at 3 hours each (30 hours total) and 100 Inventor Information Form responses per year at 30 minutes each (50 hours total).
Information sharing with third parties
NIST collects the information through its Technology Partnerships Office and shares it with NIST's Office of Chief Counsel and may share it with non‑Government entities that may have ownership rights to the potential invention. The collected data may therefore be disclosed beyond NIST for patent‑related matters.
Citizenship info may affect rights
NIST collects country citizenship information from named inventors to determine whether a scientific and technology agreement or treaty with the inventor's country may impact U.S. Government rights to the invention. Citizenship data is required to make that determination.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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