Legal Framework for Technology Transfer in ARS

ARS Technology Transfer policy is based on a series of laws passed by Congress, and Executive Orders signed by the President.  Most of the laws that pertain to ARS policy, and a brief description of their contents, are listed under Laws with links to the full text of most of the laws.

ARS Policy

ARS policy on Technology Transfer has recently been revised and the Policy and Procedure document has been published.  P&P 14.2 - ARS provides guidance on General Policy, describes how to Report Inventions, how the Patent Review Committee functions, what constitutes Public Disclosure, Patent Licensing, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), and Other Agreements used in Technology Transfer.

ARS has also published two brochures, Forming Partnerships With the Agricultural Research Service (Text), and Patents and Cooperative Agreements: A Plain Language Guide (Text) that provide additional information about Technology Transfer in ARS.