Office of Research and Technology Ventures
Invention Disclosures
Key Invention Policies
Ownership of Intellectual Property
The Bayh-Dole Act gave small businesses and non-profit organizations the right to retain ownership of inventions developed using federal funds. In exchange, the organization takes on the responsibility of patenting and pursuing commercial opportunities that will help bring innovations to the public.
To fulfill its obligations under Bayh-Dole, Dana-Farber must retain ownership of all inventions developed by its employees using the time, funds, personnel, facilities, materials, or other resources of Dana-Farber.
Dana-Farber Invention Agreement
Every employee of Dana-Farber signs an Invention Agreement as a condition of their employment. Under this agreement, the employee agrees to (1) assign her/his intellectual property rights to Dana-Farber and (2) disclose inventions to ORTV and the Office of General Counsel.
Distribution of Licensing Income
After recovering patent expenses, licensing revenue is distributed in the following manner:
- 25% inventors
- 25% inventor's laboratory
- 20% inventor's department
- 15% Presidents Office for research and education at Dana-Farber
- 15% ORTV to offset operational expenses
For a detailed description of relevant policies, please see Dana-Farber's Research Policy and Procedure Manual.
