Title 35 › PART II — PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS › CHAPTER 18 — PATENT RIGHTS IN INVENTIONS MADE WITH FEDERAL ASSISTANCE › § 201
Gives plain meanings for important words used in this chapter. It explains who counts as a federal agency, what a funding agreement is, who a contractor is, what an invention or subject invention is, what "practical application" and "made" mean, and what counts as a small business or nonprofit. Federal agency: an executive agency and the military departments. Funding agreement: a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement (not including the TVA) for research or development paid by the federal government, including assignments and subcontracts. Contractor: the person, small business, or nonprofit on that agreement. Invention: something that can be patented or otherwise protected, including new plant varieties (see 7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.). Subject invention: an invention by the contractor made or first reduced to practice during the funded work (for plant varieties see 7 U.S.C. 2401(d)). Practical application: making, using, or operating the invention so it is actually used and its benefits are available to the public on reasonable terms. Made: the first idea or first actual test/build of the invention. Small business firm: a small business as defined in Public Law 85–536 (15 U.S.C. 632) and SBA rules. Nonprofit organization: universities or groups described in 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) and exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(a), or similar state nonprofit scientific or educational groups.
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Citation
35 U.S.C. § 201
Title 35, Patents
Last Updated
Sep 23, 2026
Release point: 119-110