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.
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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06419 — Board of Overseers of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
The Board of Overseers for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is meeting virtually on June 11, 2026, to review and improve the Award program. This affects organizations aiming for top-quality performance in areas like business, education, and health. The meeting is open to the public and focuses on updates, ethics, and new ideas—no costs or deadlines for participants yet, but big improvements could be coming!
2026-05389 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; CHIPS Workforce Solution Participant Data Collection
The Department of Commerce is asking for public feedback on a new data collection for the CHIPS Workforce Solution program, which helps track how semiconductor companies use workforce funding. This affects companies receiving CHIPS funds and aims to make reporting easier while ensuring the government gets useful info. Comments are open until May 18, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-06391 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; ASKCHIPS Information Collection
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is asking for public feedback on their ASKCHIPS info collection form, which helps people easily request meetings or speakers from the CHIPS Program Office. This update aims to keep things smooth and simple for everyone involved, with comments due by June 1, 2026. If you’re involved in semiconductor incentives or just curious, this affects how you connect with the program—no big costs, just better communication!
2026-03586 — Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT) is holding a public virtual meeting on March 27, 2026, to review NIST’s policies, programs, and budget. This meeting affects U.S. industries and anyone interested in NIST’s work, with a chance to share comments by March 13. The committee will also prepare its 2025 annual report, helping shape future tech and innovation priorities.
2026-03307 — Eliminating Obsolete Marking Requirements for Toy, Look-Alike, and Imitation Firearms
Starting February 19, 2026, the old rules about marking toy and imitation guns from NIST are gone! Now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the boss of these rules, making things clearer and simpler for everyone. This change won’t cost businesses extra but will cut confusion and keep safety rules up to date.
2026-03303 — Eliminating Obsolete Regulations Related to the Advanced Technology Program and the Technology Innovation Program
NIST is cleaning house by removing old rules about two tech grant programs, the Advanced Technology Program and the Technology Innovation Program, which are no longer active or authorized by law. This update, effective February 19, 2026, helps keep things clear and current, so no one gets confused about these programs. No money or new programs are involved—just a tidy-up to keep the rulebook fresh!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01255 — Deepwater Port License Application: Bluewater Texas Terminal LLC-Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Bluewater Texas Terminal wants to build a deepwater port to export U.S. crude oil overseas. The government released a new environmental report and is inviting the public to share their thoughts during a 45-day comment period. A fun open house and public meeting will happen on February 3, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas, so locals and others can learn more and get involved.
Next: 2026-01257 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Title-Return A-Monthly Return of Offenses Known to Police and Supplement to Return A-Monthly Return of Offenses Known to Police
The FBI wants to keep collecting monthly crime reports from police to track offenses better. They’re asking for public feedback on how to make this process easier and more efficient, especially by using electronic submissions. If you’re involved in law enforcement or data reporting, your input matters before the deadline on February 23, 2026.
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