Forest Service Patent and Licensing Program

Patent and licensing program staff help researchers determine the best method for turning their technology into a tool. This might be through an agreement, provisional or nonprovisional patent, or publication. Staff then search through prior patents and literature (prior art) to ensure the technology is eligible for a patent. They also review Forest Service invention disclosures, both those solely and jointly owned.  

Program staff guide Forest Service scientists through the patent process. They liaise with law firms and the United States Patent and Trademark Office while working with the USDA Office of General Counsel to prepare, file and prosecute patent applications. Staff also verifies that the scientist owns the invention and prepares declarations, application data sheets, information disclosures, and assignment documents. 

Program staff help scientists find ways their patented technology can benefit Forest Service land and fire managers. They also develop cooperative research and development agreements to further develop technologies. Additionally, they negotiate and prepare licenses with universities, industry partners, and others. Staff may also work with the USDA Small Business Innovation Research Program through this process.

Program staff also assist scientists with trademarks, copyright, software, and ethics questions.