Invention Licensing- Partnering with the private sector to commercialize inventions made by USDA scientists
USDA is looking for commercial partners to develop and market inventions made by USDA scientists. A wide variety of USDA inventions are available for licensing and include patents and pending patents, plant varieties and proprietary biological materials. To apply for a license, please select the appropriate license application form below.
Select from the following license application options:
USDA, ARS, Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) is responsible for licensing USDA inventions:
Licensing specialists are available to speak with you about your license application.
License agreement terms are flexible and take into account the needs of the licensee's business plan.
Licenses may be nonexclusive, co-exclusive, partially exclusive or exclusive.
In some cases, patent rights outside of the United States may be available for licensing.
USDA license agreements comply with the policy and objectives set forth in 35 USC 207-209 and 37 CFR 404.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting:
USDA, Agricultural Research Service Office of Technology Transfer 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 4-1159 Beltsville, MD 20705-5131 (301) 504-5989 / fax: (301) 504-5060 E-mail: license@ars.usda.gov
The Technology Licensing Program manages all aspects of USDA invention licensing, including the review of license applications, the negotiation of license agreements, and the monitoring of license agreements to assure compliance with agreement terms. Licensing Program staff collect and disburse license revenues, manage international patent filings, and provide expert advice on all matters related to USDA invention licensing.
June Blalock, Coordinator, Technology Licensing Program June.Blalock@ars.usda.gov Phone: (301) 504-5257 Fax: (301) 504-5060